Predictors of emotional strain among spouse and adult child caregivers.

This study used data from the 1999 National Long Term Care Survey to examine predictors of emotional strain between spouse and adult child caregivers using the frameworks of role theory and the stress process model. Secondary data analysis examined if and how emotional strain differed between the groups and what the predictors of emotional strain were for each group. Common group predictors of emotional strain were elder's disruptive behaviors, caregiver's perceived overload, family disagreement, limitations on the caregiver's life, and utilization of personal coping strategies by the caregiver. There were predictors unique to spouse's emotional strain but elders' race and respite availability were unique predictors of adult child caregiver's emotional strain. Ways in which predictors of emotional strain can be used to design effective and efficient social work interventions are discussed.