Multidimensional Factors Are Related to Caregiver Burden: Findings From a National Experience Sampling Survey

PURPOSE: Paid and informal caregivers experience negative well-being outcomes. The present study aimed to: (1) examine the fluctuation of caregivers' emotions and daily physical health concerns, (2) identify factors associated with everyday fluctuations in positive emotions, negative emotions and daily health concerns to inform future supports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Daily Diary dataset. Baseline and intensive longitudinal factors of 392 adults performing caregiving activities were included in the analysis. Guided by the Multidimensional Model of Caregiving, researchers built multilevel models to examine factors that relate to the daily emotional and physical health of caregivers. RESULTS: Emotions and health concerns fluctuated throughout the study period. Model fit varied, with the negative emotions and daily health models demonstrating stronger performance than the positive emotions model. Negative emotions were related to income, hours spent caregiving, self-esteem and emotional support. Positive emotions were related to income, caregiver stressors and self-esteem. Caregiver daily health concerns were related to marital status, self-esteem, leisure activities and emotional support. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver well-being is associated with individual, socioemotional and environmental factors. Support groups and cognitive behavioural interventions may mitigate the impact of caregiver stressors on well-being.