Familism Beliefs and Psychological Distress Among African American Women Caregivers

Abstract

Drawing from stress and coping models, we examined heterogeneity in the expression of familism (i.e., beliefs about the caregiving role) and its impact on psychological distress among African American women caregivers. We relied on data from the Black Rural and Urban Caregivers Mental Health and Functioning study, a cross-sectional study of 521 midwestern African American women family caregivers. First we used the ordinary least squares regression method to examine the factors predicting caregiving beliefs. Subsequently, using hierarchical linear regressions, we regressed caregivers' depressive symptoms and perceived stress on their familism beliefs while controlling separately for interpersonal, personal, and situational contextual factors. Wife caregivers, caregivers with lower levels of education, and caregivers with lower levels of mastery held significantly more traditional caregiving beliefs. Also, having poor caregiving relationships; being younger; being unemployed; and having lower levels of education, self-rated health, and mastery were all associated with higher levels of depression and perceived stress in caregivers. Traditional caregiving beliefs were also significant predictors of higher levels of depression and perceived stress. Although familism is culturally and socially popular, traditional beliefs in the caregiving role can lead to negative psychological consequences for African American women caregivers. Policies that support the realistic involvement of caregivers are needed to prevent negative consequences for caregivers.