title: The influence of cancer patients' symptoms and functional states on patients' depression and family caregivers' reaction and depression.
abstract: In this article the paths among cancer patients' physical and mental health and the reactions and mental health of their family caregivers were examined. Data for these analyses came from a cross-sectional sample of cancer patients who were recruited through ambulatory outpatient chemotherapy units, and their family caregivers. Patients' depression was explained largely by their symptomatology and, to a lesser extent, by loss of mobility. Patients' physical limitations impacted caregivers' daily schedules but not their physical health. Patients' levels of depression were related to those of their caregivers. However, caregivers' optimism proved to be a significant predictor of their mental health and reactions to caregiving.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Practice, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1317.
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Given
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stommel
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Given
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Osuch
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Kurtz
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Kurtz
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*