What factors are associated with affective and cognitive empathy in informal and formal caregivers of older people?

Abstract

To analyse factors associated with affective and cognitive empathy in informal and formal caregivers of older people. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 111 formal and informal caregivers divided into three groups (lower, intermediate and higher empathy) based on the Multidimensional Interpersonal Reactivity Index score (total, affective and cognitive empathy). A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Functional Assessment Questionnaire were applied. The participants were predominantly women (91%), and median [IQR] age was 46 [33-57] years. In the multinomial regression analysis being an informal caregiver, being older and having depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of empathy (total score and the affective domain). No associations were found for the cognitive domain. A high level of empathy, especially affective empathy, was associated with depressive symptoms, older age and being an informal caregiver. Family relationships and the lack of training among informal caregivers should be explored.