Family conflict over illness beliefs and care strategies: implications for burden in family caregivers

Abstract

Objectives Family conflict is an understudied aspect of the caregiver experience. Drawing from the stress process model, the present study examined the prevalence and correlates of conflict over illness beliefs (e.g. conflict over the care recipient’s illness and need for facility placement) and family care strategies (e.g. lack of involvement and support from family members). Methods Adult child and spouse caregivers (N = 579) of persons with physical or cognitive impairment from clinic and internet samples completed the Caregiver Reaction Scale (CRS) to assess each topic of conflict and burden. Results Most caregivers reported conflict with family members over care strategies (63%) or illness beliefs (55%). Clinic caregivers reported greater illness beliefs conflict than online caregivers. Adult children reported greater illness beliefs and family care strategies than spouses. Male caregivers were more likely than female caregivers to report care strategies conflict. Caregiver overload was significantly associated with family care strategies conflict. Both conflicts were positively associated with caregiver burden. Conclusions Findings further support that family conflict is a widespread concern associated with burden among online and help-seeking caregivers. Caregiving relationship type and gender may increase likelihood of each conflict. Findings inform recommendations for clinical intervention and assessment of family caregivers.