2007 Volume 10 Issue 2 Pages 24-32
The present study examined the buffering and reducing effect of resources for negative appraisals of family caregivers. The mailed survey was conducted to550 caregivers. The dependent variables are three negative appraisal subscales, and the independent variables are the number of problematic behaviors of the elderly as stressors and positive appraisal variables. perceived health status of caregivers, social activity, assistant caregivers and visiting nurse services as caregiver resources. Correlation analysis and two-way ANOVA were performed in order to achieve the present study objectives. The results showed that (1) perceived health status of caregiver, 'affection toward the caretakers' and social activity reduced 'feelings of restriction of social life', and assistant caregiver and visiting nurse services partially buffered 'feelings of restriction of social life'; (2) perceived health status of caregiver, the three subscales of positive appraisal, and social activity reduced 'anxiety about continuing caregiving', and assistant caregiver partially buffered 'anxiety about continuing caregiving'; and (3) only 'affection toward the caretakers' reduced 'distress of the relationships with others'. In conclusion, the findings from the current study implied that caregivers for the elderly could empower themselves by internal resources such as positive appraisals as well as external resources such as assistant caregivers and visiting nurses.
