title: Depression in family caregivers of elders: a theoretical model of caregiver burden, sociotropy, and autonomy.
abstract: To test the diathesis-stress model for family caregivers, two structural equation models were developed to explain depression measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. A cross-sectional convenience sample of 112 caregivers completed questionnaires to measure burden, personality traits, dysfunctional attitudes, and depression. The final model included direct paths from caregiver burden to autonomy and sociotropy, and indirect paths from burden to depression through sociotropy and autonomy. The final model fit adequately (chi(2) [224, N = 112] = 308.60, p < .00; CFI = .951; RMSEA = .058). Levels of burden influenced caregiver depression scores. One pathway to depression was though the personality traits of sociotropy and autonomy; both had a larger influence on depression scores than burden alone.
authors.affiliation: University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Nursing, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
authors.forename: Michele C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Pamela M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Diamond
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010551:Personality; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult