[Structural equation model for caregiving experience of families providing care for family members with mental disorders].
OBJECTIVE
This study was done to develop and test a structural model for caregiving experience including caregiving satisfaction and caregiving strain in families providing care for family members with a mental disorder.


METHODS
The Stress-appraisal-coping model was used as the conceptual framework and the structural equation model to confirm the path that explains what and how variables affect caregiving experience in these families. In this hypothesis model, exogenous variables were optimism, severity of illness and uncertainty. The endogenous variables were self efficacy, social support, caregiving satisfaction and caregiving strain. Data were collected using structured questionnaires.


RESULTS
Optimism and caregiving self-efficacy had significant direct and indirect effects on caregiving satisfaction. Optimism, severity of illness and uncertainty had significant direct and indirect effects on caregiving strain. The modified path model explained effects of optimism on caregiving self-efficacy with social support in the path structure as a mediator. Also, there were direct and indirect effects of optimism and uncertainty on caregiving satisfaction with social support and caregiving self-efficacy in the path structure as a mediators.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest the need to improve caregiving self-efficacy of these families, establish support systems such as a mental health professional support programs for caregiving self-efficacy. Optimism, severity of illness and uncertainty perceived by families need to be considered in the development of support programs in order to increase their effectiveness.
National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
In Ohg
IO
Oh
College of Nursing, Yonsei University; Nursing Policy Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. PSY0962@yuhs.ac.
Sunah
S
Kim
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035501:Uncertainty; D055815:Young Adult
Family caregivers; Mental disorders; Structural model