Positive experiences in caregivers: an exploratory case series.
BACKGROUND
Recent research into positive experiences in caregivers has begun to redress the traditional focus on negative aspects of caregiving experiences.


METHODS
This exploratory study used a cognitive-behavioural approach - namely, the transactional stress model (Lazarus and Folkman, 1984) - to investigate associations between appraisals, coping, and gains over a 6-week period in a small sample (N = 4; case series) design involving stroke caregivers. Analysis involved visual inspection of graphs, supported by descriptive statistics, and co-variation analysis.


RESULTS
Participants reported high levels of positive experiences, and these increased over the study period, a previously unreported trend. The study also found individual differences in the interactions between appraisal, coping, and caregiving gain variables, findings explained by the transactional stress model.


CONCLUSIONS
Implications for clinical practice and future research are addressed.
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust., UK.
Emma
E
Bacon
Derek L
DL
Milne
Alia I
AI
Sheikh
Mark H
MH
Freeston
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing