Positive feelings of caregiving among Latino Alzheimer's family caregivers: understanding the role of spirituality.

This study used structural equation modeling to examine the effects of spirituality on positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) among a sample of American Latino family members caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participants consisted of 209 Latino caregivers (CGs) drawn from baseline data from the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregivers Health II study. The findings indicate that spirituality is positively related to PAC and may partially mediate the effect of subjective stress on PAC. AD CGs typically provide better care when they perceive the caregiving experience to be satisfying and rewarding. Toward this end, gerontological practitioners should adopt a proactive stance to ensure Latino AD CGs can operationalize their spiritual strengths.