Social support, social problem-solving abilities, and adjustment of family caregivers of stroke survivors.
OBJECTIVE
To determine contributions of social support and social problem-solving abilities in prediction of adjustment of family caregivers of stroke survivors.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Two rehabilitation facilities (1 private, 1 state) in the southeastern United States.


METHODS
Fifty-two family caregivers (46 women, 6 men) of stroke survivors (28 women, 24 men).


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Predictor variables were social support and social problem-solving abilities. Outcome measures of caregiver adjustment were depressive symptomatology, well-being, and general health. Participants completed these measures 1 to 2 days before discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and at 5, 9, and 13 weeks postdischarge in the home.


RESULTS
Trajectory analysis indicated higher levels of social support were associated with lower levels of caregiver depressive symptomatology and higher levels of well-being and general health, independent of social problem solving. A greater negative problem orientation was associated with higher levels of depressive symptomatology and lower levels of well-being. A more positive problem orientation was associated with greater increases in general health. The strength or slope of this positive relation lessened over time.


CONCLUSIONS
Social support and the emotion-focused component of social problem solving, problem orientation, independently contribute to caregiver adjustment. Interventions that provide social support and assist caregivers to develop more adaptive abilities toward problem solving may be beneficial.
Grant
Joan S
JS
School of Nursing, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA. grantj@uab.edu
Elliott
Timothy R
TR
Weaver
Michael
M
Glandon
Gerald L
GL
Raper
James L
JL
Giger
Joyce N
JN
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011340:Problem Solving; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy