Finding Benefit in Bereavement among Family Cancer Caregivers

Abstract

Background and Objective: Even though cancer is the second most common cause of death, little is known about the extent to which family caregivers find meaning and benefit in the loss, and associated demographic characteristics and caregiving experiences. This study addressed this gap in our knowledge. Design and Subjects: Family caregivers participated in a nationwide survey for cancer caregivers two years after the relative's diagnosis (T1). Of those, 121 were identified as bereaved by five years postdiagnosis (T2) and provided valid data for the study variables. Participants were primarily middle-aged, spouse of the deceased, and bereaved for an average of 2.9 years. Measurements: Perceived caregiving stress, caregiver esteem, and patient's cancer severity as indicators of initial caregiving stressors and caregivers' demographics were measured at T1. Social support and time since bereavement as indicators of current resources and benefit finding in bereavement as an outcome were measured at T2. Results: Reports of personal growth from bereavement emerged in multiple domains, although some caregivers were less likely to find benefit: nonspousal caregivers who had greater caregiving stress and spousal caregivers with lack of social support. Conclusions: Findings suggest that bereavement programs designed to help bereaved caregivers find meaning in the loss should be personalized reflecting individual differences in caregiving stress and caregiver esteem. Such programs should also be tailored differently for spousal versus nonspousal caregivers.

Role of family caregivers' self‐perceived preparedness for the death of the cancer patient in long‐term adjustment to bereavement

“…Family members who are bereaved have shown clinical levels of psychological distress and a lack of meaning in life . For example, during the 6 months after the death of their relative from cancer, 6% to 25% of bereaved caregivers have been found to meet the criteria for prolonged grief symptoms/disorder ; 7% to 40% met criteria for post‐traumatic stress disorder ; and 7% to 42% reported moderate to severe levels of depression symptoms .…”

Personality Change Pre- to Post- Loss in Spousal Caregivers of Patients With Terminal Lung Cancer

“…Transitions can lead to increased depression and anxiety, and some caregivers experience prolonged grief during bereavement (Braun, Mikulincer, Rydall, Walsh, & Rodin, 2007; Prigerson et al, 2009). Caregivers may also experience existential changes, such as finding a greater sense of meaning and purpose (Kim, Carver, Schulz, Lucette, & Cannady, 2013). It has been suggested that during the bereavement process some caregivers may experience broad changes in personality (Caspi & Moffitt, 1993; McCrae & Costa, 1993), particularly in terms of how they interact with others (Shapiro, 2001; Shear & Shair, 2005).…”

Factors Affecting Research Participation of Bereaved Families of Terminal Cancer Patients: A Prospective Preliminary Study

“…Profession of a religion and high economic status were associated with willing participation in the bereaved survey, consistent with previous studies. Regarding bereavement adjustment, religion is considered an enhancer of positive effects as well as a protectant against negative impacts (29,30). In the Korean population, religion enabled bereaved families to find meaning in life after loss (31), whereas bereaved families with a lower income were at risk for poor mental health (3).…”