Perceived burden among caregivers of adults with serious mental illness: comparison of black, Hispanic, and white families.

Differences in perceived burden were investigated among black, Hispanic, and white groups of caregivers of adults with serious mental illness. Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and caregiving-related stressors, black caregivers tended to report less burden than whites, a result not explained by protective mechanisms (social support, religious involvement, illness attributions). No statistically significant differences were found in perceived burden between Hispanic and white caregivers.