The experiences of men providing informal care to a relative with a long-term physical health condition

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In recent years there has been a growing interest in understanding caregiver experiences within a positive psychology framework, however several issues have impacted on the development of literature in this area. These include a lack of theory from which to understand positive aspects of caregiving, and a difficulty in operationalising positive aspects of caregiving. Furthermore, despite acknowledgement that subgroups of caregivers experience positive aspects of caregiving in different ways, there has been very little research into the experiences of male caregivers. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate how male caregivers describe their experiences of caregiving using qualitative methods to help corroborate or develop existing literature around positive aspects of caregiving. Research Design and Methods: 6 male caregivers from the south-east of England were interviewed about their caregiving experiences using qualitative research methods. Data was transcribed and analysed by the researcher using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The analysis revealed 3 themes around the caregiver experience: experiencing losses and frustrations from caring for a loved one, finding ways to hold on to a sense of self, and experiencing caregiving as bringing one closer to one’s values. The concepts of value and identity were identified within each of these themes. Discussion and Implications: Results are discussed in the context of Breakwell’s identity process theory. In particular, it is noted that caregiver experiences relate to how much caregiving allows one to be true to one’s identity. Homogeneity of the sample is discussed as a limitation. Further research is suggested to explore how values and identity relate to caregiver well-being. Keywords: caregiver, identity, positive, theory