THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COPING STYLES, DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOM LEVELS AND CAREGIVER BURDEN IN CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY

Abstract

Parents of children with disabilities may have difficulty in adapting to the caregiving situation and this situation, called caregiver burden, has been reported to be related to coping styles. In our study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between caregiver burden, depression levels and coping styles in caregivers of children with disability. 84 caregivers of children with disability who applied to special care center were included into the study between 1 March 2018 and 1 May 2018. Sociodemographic data form, Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS-A), Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire (RTSQ) and COPE Inventory were applied to the participants. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. According to Pearson Correlation Analysis, while a statistically significant positive correlation was found between RTSQ and BDI (r = 0.290), DAS-A (r = 0.242) and COPE subscale scores; there was also a statistically significant low positive correlation between ZBI and BDI (r = 0.338) and DAS-A (r = 0.235). As a result of the multiple linear regression analysis, the BDI total score and the training duration had a positive predictive effect on the total score of ZBI while the total score of the DAS-A, RTSQ and and COPE subscales did not have a significant predictive effect on ZBI. Considering our findings shows that the caregiver burden levels are not predicted by general ruminative thinking and dysfunctional attitudes and intermediate beliefs; it can be said that behavioral coping methods are more effective than cognitive processes on caregiver burden. Interventions targeting avoidance behaviors in may be more effective in improving the quality of life in caregivers.