The coping strategies used by middle-generation women caring for non-cohabiting elderly parents

Abstract

The first objective of research for this study is to explore which types of coping strategies are more frequently used by middle-generation women caregivers of non-cohabiting elderly parents. Two large groups of coping strategies are examined ; primarily emotion-focused and primarily problem-focused coping strategies. The second objective is to determine if a relationship exists between the types of coping strategies used by middle-generation caregivers and their perceived stress. Finally, the third objective of research for this study is to determine if significant links exist between the perceived stress of these caregivers and certain characteristics of the caregiving situation. This study examines the following hypotheses : (1) Middle-generation women caregivers of non-cohabiting elderly parents significantly use primarily passive emotion-focused forms of coping (more precisely, the scales of : distancing, self-controlling, acceptance of responsibility, escape-avoidance and positive reappraisal) more often than primarily active problem-focused forms of coping (more precisely, the scales of : confrontive coping, seeking social support and planful problem solving). (2) Middle-generation women caregivers who significantly use more primarily passive emotion-focused forms of coping will experience a higher level of caregiving stress than those using more primarily active problem-focused forms of coping."--Résumé abrégé par UMI.