title: Choice and social exchange theory and the rewards of African American caregivers.
abstract: Exploration of the perceived rewards of African American caregivers has received little attention, but is of acute importance because of their potential effects on symptoms of depression. In this non-experimental, cross-sectional study, the investigator used choice and social exchange theory as a framework for identifying potential rewards of African American caregivers of demented elders. Study findings indicated that African Americans perceived rewards which were internal or external in source and short-term or long-term in timing. With the exception of caregivers age and education, these rewards were little affected by sociodemographic characteristics of the caregiver or care recipient. Young, more educated caregivers tended to perceive fewer rewards than old, less educated caregivers. The implications of the findings for nursing practice care are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Picot
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012201:Reward; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires