Public stigma towards informal caregiving in Germany: a descriptive study

M C Angermeyer,S G Riedel-Heller,H Matschinger,H.-H König,L Zwar,A Hajek

doi:10.1080/13607863.2020.1758913

M C Angermeyer, S G Riedel-Heller + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2020.1758913

Copy DOI

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to investigate the public stigma towards informal caregivers of individuals aged 65 years and older in the German population. Method In an Online-Survey 1038 participants (18 years and older and living in Germany) were sampled using a quota-system based on the German micro census data. To assess public stigma towards informal caregiving for individuals aged 65 years and older, three aspects of stigma were assessed: 1) emotional reactions (adapted Emotional Reaction to Mental Illness Scale), 2) behavioral reactions (adapted Social Distance Scale), and 3) cognitive reactions (newly developed List of Cognitions regarding informal caregiving). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted for the development and adaptation of the three instruments, and their composite reliability is provided. Results Emotional reactions in terms of devaluing feelings and feelings of misery were low, while appreciative feelings were neither low nor high. Reported social distance was low. Agreement with cognitions towards informal care in terms of devaluing and accusative cognitions was on average low, but high regarding appreciative cognitions. Conclusion The results show that there is stigma towards informal caregiving for older individuals (65 years and older) in terms of emotional reactions, cognitions and social distance, although the magnitude of this stigma seems to be small. Knowledge regarding the occurrence and magnitude of stigma, as well as the processes that underlie this, is needed to prevent stigmatization and its negative outcomes, or at the very least, to enable the development of support for the affected individuals.

Highlights

In Germany, like in many other industrial countries, a demographic change is occurring
The results show that there is stigma towards informal caregiving for older individuals (65 years and older) in terms of emotional reactions, cognitions and social distance, the magnitude of this stigma seems to be small
Our study aims to investigate public stigma towards informal caregiving for older individuals within the German population

Summary

Introduction

In Germany, like in many other industrial countries, a demographic change is occurring. The demand for care, especially for informal care, unpaid care provided by relatives and friends, is expected to increase This can already be seen by current statistics showing an increase in the number of individuals needing care from 2015 to 2017, with the majority of these individuals being cared for at home, and the majority of this group receiving solely informal care [2]. This is in part due to the population’s preference for being cared for at home and by one’s relatives [3, 4], and in part due to the German government policy that prioritizes informal care [5]. This study aims to investigate the public stigma towards informal caregiving for individuals older than 65 years in the German population

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion