Perceived stress and resilience in Alzheimer's disease caregivers: testing moderation and mediation models of social support.
OBJECTIVE
The study examined whether social support functioned as a protective, resilience factor among Alzheimer's disease (AD) caregivers. Moderation and mediation models were used to test social support amid stress and resilience.


METHODS
A cross-sectional analysis of self-reported data was conducted. Measures of demographics, perceived stress, family support, friend support, overall social support, and resilience were administered to caregiver attendees (N=229) of two AD caregiver conferences. Hierarchical regression analysis showed the compounded impact of predictors on resilience. Odds ratios generated probability of high resilience given high stress and social supports. Social support moderation and mediation were tested via distinct series of regression equations. Path analyses illustrated effects on the models for significant moderation and/or mediation.


RESULTS
Stress negatively influenced and accounted for most variation in resilience. Social support positively influenced resilience, and caregivers with high family support had the highest probability of elevated resilience. Moderation was observed among all support factors. No social support fulfilled the complete mediation criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Evidence of social support as a protective, moderating factor yields implications for health care practitioners who deliver services to assist AD caregivers, particularly the promotion of identification and utilization of supportive familial and peer relations.
Wilks
Scott E
SE
LSU School of Social Work, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. swilks@lsu.edu
Croom
Beth
B
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000451:nursing*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005192:Family Health; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011336:Probability; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires