Caregiver Coping Strategies Research Articles

Coping strategies in caregivers of disorders of consciousness patients.

The management of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) has raised several important ethical, social, and medical issues. It is also known that families and caregivers are subjected to physical and emotional load due to their assistance activity. The aim of this observational study was to compare distress and coping strategies used among caregivers of two kinds of DOC: vegetative state (VS) and minimally conscious state (MCS). We have enrolled 80 caregivers (mean age 47.87 ± 11-28years) that were tested with self-administered measures of distress and coping to individuate which coping strategies were adopted by caregivers of DOC patients and to analyze how these have influenced the degree of distress. Data showed that the reaction to stress was different between two groups of caregivers (VS and MCS); moreover, it may vary according to the coping strategies used. Results showed the importance to develop effective coping strategies aimed to reduce psychological distress and improving caregiver's well-being.

The impact of coping strategies of cancer caregivers on psychophysiological outcomes: an integrative review.

PurposeA growing number of studies have explored the psychosocial burden experienced by cancer caregivers, but less attention has been given to the psychophysiological impact of caregiving and the impact of caregivers’ coping strategies on this association. This paper reviews existing research on the processes underlying distress experienced by cancer caregivers, with a specific focus on the role of coping strategies on psychophysiological correlates of burden.MethodsA broad literature search was conducted in health-related databases namely MEDLINE, Science Citations Index Expanded, Scopus, and PsycINFO, using relevant search terms. All types of studies published in English were considered for inclusion.ResultsWe found that cancer caregiving was related to increased blood pressure, dysregulation of autonomic nervous system, hypothalamic–pituitary–axis dysregulation, immune changes, and poor health-related behaviors. We also found that problem-focused coping was associated with decreased caregiver burden, decreased depression, and better adjustment, while emotion-focused coping was related to higher levels of posttraumatic growth and psychological distress. The way coping impacts psychophysiological correlates of burden, however, remains unexplored.ConclusionA better understanding of the psychophysiological elements of caregiver burden is needed. We propose a model that attends specifically to factors that may impact psychophysiological correlates of burden among cancer caregivers. Based on the proposed model, psychosocial interventions that specifically target caregivers’ coping and emotion regulation skills, family functioning, and self-care are endemic to the preservation of the health and well-being of this vulnerable population.

Emotional burden and coping strategies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caregivers: the role of metacognitions

Emotional burden and coping strategies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caregivers: the role of metacognitions

Correlate of burden and coping ability of caregivers of older adults with chronic illness in Nigeria.

Caring for older adults with chronic illness is associated with enormous physical and psychological stress on the informal caregivers. This study assessed burden experienced by caregivers of older adults with chronic illness, explored coping strategies of caregivers in relation to identified chronic conditions and determined the influence of caregiver's burden, caregiver's characteristics and older adult's characteristics on their coping ability. This is a cross-sectional, correlational study, and data were collected among 325 caregivers of older adults living with chronic illness in Osun State, Nigeria, using a checklist, Katz IADL, Zarit Burden Interview and Brief Cope Scale. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that the age of the caregivers ranged between 19 and 70years with a mean of 47.79 (±11.94). They were caring for older adults with heart diseases (47.7%), kidney diseases (8.0%), cancer (10.2%), gastrointestinal disorders (5.5%), stroke (18.5%), diabetes mellitus (10.2%) who had partial (60.9%) to total level of dependency (39.1%). Over 59% of caregivers experienced severe burden, which is associated with religion (p<0.001). Coping strategies used include religion (7.37±0.85), planning (6.70±0.89), positive reframing (6.42±1.01) and emotion-focused coping (29.97±3.30), which was the most used coping domain. Caregiver's burden was a predictor of emotion-focused (β=-0.16), problem-focused (β=-0.15), dysfunctional (β=-0.14) and the total coping score (β=-0.48). In addition, religion predicted emotion-focused coping (β=0.69). This study concluded that caregiving activities impose a severe burden on the caregivers. Religion was the most used, and coping ability is predicted by burden and religion. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider interventions to promote the use of effective coping skills.

Coping strategies of caregivers towards aggressive behaviors of persons with severe mental illness.

Aggression is one of the chief determinants of caregiver burden in severe mental illnesses. Clinical and treatment implications of aggression in mental illness are predominantly studied in perspectives of mental health care professionals. Coping style of caregivers towards aggression of persons with mental illness is understudied. So we studied coping strategies used by caregivers of patients with severe mental illness towards aggressive behaviors of patients and relationship between aggressive behavior and coping strategies. We assessed two hundreds and seventy caregivers of patients with severe mental illness attending outpatient psychiatry department using Modified Overt Aggression Scale and the Ways of Coping Scale - revised. 95.6% of the caregivers perceived verbal aggression followed by aggression against property (67%), auto aggression (33.7%) and physical aggression (25.6%). The study revealed that adaptive coping strategies - planful problem solving and seeking social support were used by 40% each of caregivers to deal with aggressive behavior. Only 4.4% of caregivers resorted to escape avoidance which is maladaptive coping strategy. Though adaptive strategies were used by caregivers these were not used in appropriate situations. Physical aggression and aggression against property were not significantly associated with planful problem solving (r = 0.105; p = 0.08 and r = 0.110; p = 0.07 respectively). But verbal aggression, aggression against property and physical aggression were associated with escape avoidance (r = 0.152; p = 0.01 and r = 0.168; p = 0.01 and r = 0.23; p = <0.001 respectively). The study concluded that coping in caregivers of severe mental illness is maladaptive with respect to aggression. Coping skills training would play a major role to address this issue.

Family Caregivers of Liver Transplant Recipients: Coping Strategies Associated With Different Levels of Post-traumatic Growth

ObjectiveAnalyze the influence of 2 variables (post-traumatic growth and time since liver transplantation) on coping strategies used by the transplant recipient's family members. MethodsIn all, 218 family members who were their main caregivers of liver transplant recipients were selected. They were evaluated using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and the Brief COPE. A 3 × 3 factorial analysis of variance was used to analyze the influence that post-traumatic growth level (low, medium, and high) and time since transplantation (≤3.5 years, >3.5 to ≤9 years, and >9 years) exerted on caregiver coping strategies. ResultsNo interactive effects between the two factors in the study were found. The only significant main effect was the influence of the post-traumatic growth factor on the following variables: instrumental support (P = .007), emotional support (P = .005), self-distraction (P = .006), positive reframing (P = .000), acceptance (P = .013), and religion (P = <.001). According to the most relevant effect sizes, low post-traumatic growth compared with medium growth was associated with less use of self-distraction (P = .006, d = −0.52, medium effect size), positive reframing (P = .001, d = −0.62, medium effect size), and religion (P = .000, d = −0.66, medium effect size), and in comparison with high growth, it was associated with less use of positive reframing (P = .002, d = −0.56, medium effect size) and religion (P = .000, d = 0.87, large effect size). ConclusionRegardless of the time elapsed since the stressful life event (liver transplantation), family members with low post-traumatic growth usually use fewer coping strategies involving a positive, transcendent vision to deal with transplantation.

A comparative study of caregiver burden and self-efficacy in chronic psychiatric illness and chronic medical illness: A pilot study

Background: A caregiver is an individual who provides assistance and assumes the responsibility for the physical and emotional needs of another individual who is incapable of self-care. Caregiver burden is a universal phenomenon and more than half of the caregivers experience burden in their role as caregivers. There is a paucity of studies to understand the burden and coping strategies of caregivers in chronic psychiatric illness and chronic medical illnesses, especially in the Indian scenario. Aims and Objectives: (i) To compare the caregiver burden in chronic psychiatric illness and chronic medical illness (ii) To compare the caregiver efficacy in chronic psychiatric illness and chronic medical illness. Materials and Methods: The study sample included caregivers of inpatients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in South India. A total of 120 caregivers were included in the study with 60 caregivers from psychiatric ward and medicine ward, respectively. The caregivers were then assessed using the Caregiver Burden Scale and the Revised Caregiver Self-efficacy Scale Results and Conclusion: We found that majority of the caregivers were first-degree relatives and women constituted a major part of the caregiver group. Caregiver burden was significantly higher in psychiatric illnesses compared to medical illnesses. Caregiver efficacy was similar in both study groups. Interventions to reduce caregiver burden and to improve caregiver efficacy should be implemented to ensure optimal management of both patient and caregiver.

Experience of caregiving and coping strategies in caregivers of adolescents with an eating disorder: A comparative study

Caring for a relative with an eating disorder (ED) is associated with heightened psychological distress, which, according to a stress-coping model, may be influenced by coping and appraisal. However, limited quantitative studies have assessed coping in ED caregivers. This cross-sectional study aims to assess 1) the differences in coping between caregivers of three groups: patients with an ED, patients with a substance use disorder, and healthy teens, and 2) the patient and caregiver variables associated with coping and appraisal of the caregiving experience. A one-way MANOVA was significant for caregiver group for mothers, but not fathers. Mothers of both patient groups used more self-sufficient problem focused coping than mothers of healthy teens. Patient caregivers did not significantly differ from caregivers of healthy teens in their use of avoidance. Mothers used social support strategies more than fathers. A positive experience of caregiving was significantly associated with the use of approach-oriented coping in ED caregivers and a negative experience of caregiving was significantly associated with avoidance in ED mothers. Older ED caregivers were less likely to use avoidance. Future interventions could help ED caregivers to recognize their coping preferences and how to appropriately use these strategies when faced with illness-related stressors.

가족돌봄자들의 스트레스 대처과정에서 신체여가활동의 역할에 관한 이해

The purpose of this study is to recommend physical leisure activity as a stress coping strategy for family caregivers who are under chronic stress and to explore its role in the stress coping process. In this study, qualitative research was conducted. This study adopted a phenomenological approach which focused on “what people experience and how they interpret the world.” The interviewees were 8 family caregivers who had been taking caring of their family member. These family members were patients in need of long-term care who received social nursing care services for less than 4 hours a day. The data were collected from May to October 2016, and a semi-structured interview guide structured the interviews. The analysis of the interviews showed that family caregivers who had been involved in physical activity were able to continuously relieve their stress and experienced positive emotions. This implies that physical activity has a positive impact on their ‘problem-focused’ and ‘meaning-focused’ coping strategies for managing their daily stress. Finally, this study provides implications for practical counseling and policy development for family caregivers through a deep understanding of the role of physical activity as a means of chronic stress management for family caregivers.

Blame, coping, and psychosocial outcomes in caregivers of individuals with brain injury.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is associated with many physical and psychiatric conditions. Oftentimes, the individual's family members are responsible for providing long-term care, leaving caregivers vulnerable to negative effects of caregiving including stress, depression, and decreased quality of life. Attribution theory suggests that caregivers may blame the individual with the ABI for their injury as a way to understand their own circumstances. The objective of this study was to investigate caregiver coping strategies as possible mediators between caregiver family member blame and caregiver psychosocial outcomes among caregivers of individuals with ABI. Caregivers of individuals with ABI (n = 94) completed an online survey of self-report measures regarding coping (emotion-focused, problem-focused, and dysfunctional strategies), blame (direct, indirect, and preoccupation with blame), depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QOL). Bootstrapping mediation analyses were conducted to investigate the mediating role of caregiver coping strategies between blame attributions, and either depressive symptoms or QOL. Results demonstrated that the use of more dysfunctional coping strategies significantly mediated the relationship between indirect blame, and depressive symptoms and QOL. Furthermore, using more dysfunctional coping strategies also significantly mediated the relationship between preoccupation with blame and depressive symptoms. Results of this study point to the important role blame attributions play in the use of coping strategies and subsequent psychosocial outcomes. By understanding the relationships between blame attributions, coping behavior, and psychosocial outcomes, clinicians may better tailor treatments to optimize QOL and promote the psychological well being of caregivers and care recipients. (PsycINFO Database Record

Adaptation of a scale to measure coping strategies in informal primary caregivers of psychiatric patients.

Background The recovery process of a psychiatric patient is related to his primary informal caregiver's style of coping with stress. There is insufficient literature on validations of instruments that measure coping styles in this population. Objective To adapt and validate a scale to measure coping strategies in primary informal caregivers. Method The adapted scale was based on the Extreme Coping Scale of López-Vázquez and Marván. Items from that scale were adapted for application to informal caregivers. The scale was administered to 122 primary informal caregivers of patients from two psychiatric institutions in Mexico. Psychometric analyses were performed to determine the scale's properties. Results The scale was composed of 20 items (six less than in the original scale) and two factors: (i) active coping (Cronbach's alpha=.837) and (ii) passive coping (Cronbach's alpha=.718). Discussion The findings are discussed in the light of the importance of studying the relationship between coping styles and the well-being of both informal caregivers and psychiatric patients. Implications for practice The scale could be used by health practitioners and researchers to generate strategies to support the family caregiver, as well as to measure the results of interventions.

Burnout of caregivers in geriatric Institution: “Coping” strategies

IntroductionThe health sector has long been recognized to be a very stressful work environment for teams that can lead to “burnout”. Geriatric institutions are no exception to this observation; this state has deleterious effects on health care as on the quality of care.ObjectivesMeasure the burnout rate among caregivers in geriatric institutions and identify associated factors and coping strategies specific to this population in order to provide the necessary preventive measures.Subjects and method A cross-sectional study, conducted among caregivers exercising at the shelter for aged subjects of Manouba, Tunisia. We used a pre-survey exploring the socio-demographic data associated with two validated scales: the Maslach Burnout Inventory assessing the level of burnout and the Brief COPE assessing coping strategies.ResultsThirty-one subjects were recruited. The prevalence of burnout was 45.16%. Respectively 32.26%, 25.80% and 45.16% of the respondents had high scores in dimensions emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment at work. The analytical study revealed that seniority in work increased the risk of burnout. The coping strategies of caregivers in geriatric institution facing burnout were mainly centered on emotion. The number of years of experience has been associated with burnout in our study.ConclusionThis work reaffirms that the population of caregivers in geriatric institution is at risk of burnout and allows to identify predictors. The establishment of individual and collective measures is essential for appropriate treatment references (In the body text, a publication should be referred to by a consecutive number between bracket)Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Coping Strategies in Liver Transplant Recipients and Caregivers According to Patient Posttraumatic Growth.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in coping strategies employed by liver transplant recipients and their family members according to patient posttraumatic growth. Two matched groups of 214 liver transplant recipients and 214 family members were selected. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and Brief COPE were used. The most relevant results were: (1) Interactive effects in active coping, support (instrumental and emotional) and acceptance strategies, which were all used more by patients with higher growth levels, while their family members showed no differences in use of these strategies by patient growth level. Furthermore, while a low level of patient growth did not mark differences between them and their caregivers, a high level did, patients employing more active coping and support (instrumental and emotional), (2) In both groups a high level of patient growth was associated with more use of positive reframing and denial than a low one, and (3) Self-blame was employed by patients more than by their caregivers. It was concluded that a high level of posttraumatic growth in liver transplant recipients is associated with more use of healthy coping strategies, basically active coping, instrumental support, and emotional support.

The Relationship between Anxiety and Coping Strategies in Family Caregivers of Patients with Trauma.

Traumatic events are of high incidence and affect not only the patient but also their family members, causing psychological problems such as stress and anxiety for caregivers of these patients. Therefore, the application of appropriate coping strategies by them seems necessary in order to promote mental health. To study the relationship of anxiety with coping strategies in family caregivers of trauma patients. The present research was a descriptive-correlational study which was carried out on 127 family caregivers of patients with trauma in intensive care unit, surgery ward and emergency unit of Amir al-Mu'minin Hospital of Zabol, Sistan and Baluchestan Province. The respondents were selected based on the convenience sampling method. Demographics questionnaire, DASS-21, and Coping Strategies questionnaire were used for data collection. The obtained data were statistically analysed using descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient in statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Based on the results, 89.9% of family caregivers suffer from mild to severe anxiety. The most common type of coping strategy used by the respondents was emotion-focused. The results showed no relationship between anxiety and emotion-centrism, but an inverse relationship was found between problem-centrism and anxiety. The majority of family caregivers had anxiety. Given, the inverse relationship between the level of anxiety and the use of problem-based coping strategy, in addition to identifying and reducing the causes of anxiety in caregivers. It is recommended that appropriate coping strategies should be trained to them.

Dealing with Chronic Illness: Experiences of Iranian Families of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis-A Qualitative Study.

Background Today family members are providing care and support to each other during illness. In particular, in chronic illness, such as multiple sclerosis, the families are more involved in caring for and supporting their patients, so they use several strategies to cope with this situation. The purpose of this study was to explore the coping strategies in family caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis in Iran. Methods This is a qualitative study that was conducted through 18 family caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis. A purposeful sampling method was used. Data were collected through semistructured and in-depth interviews conducted in Multiple Sclerosis Society and hospitals of Tabriz in Iran. The collected data was analyzed according to qualitative content analysis. Results Five main categories were elicited from interviews: “using spirituality,” “living with hope,” “experiencing persistence and stability,” “seeking support,” and “seeking alternative treatments.” Conclusion. The study findings can help to inform the support given to families to help them cope with the effects of caring for someone with multiple sclerosis. Health system managers and professionals by using these results are able to support patients and their families appropriately in order to improve their quality of life and alleviate the complications of disease.

Cognitive dysfunction in patients with brain metastases: influences on caregiver resilience and coping.

Neurologic deficits that may be manifested as cognitive impairment contribute to the challenges faced by caregivers of patients with brain metastases. To better address their needs, we examined how caregivers respond to these challenges and explore the relationship between the patient's cognitive impairment and caregiver resilience and coping. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study using self-reported data from 56 caregivers of patients with brain metastases. Study participants from a comprehensive cancer center were asked to complete a series of instruments that measured their perception of the patient's cognitive dysfunction (revised memory and behavior problems checklist, RMBC), their own personal resilience (Resilience Scale, RS), and their utilization of a broad range of coping responses (COPE inventory and Emotional-Approach Coping scale). Caregivers reported that memory-related problems occurred more frequently in the patients they cared for compared to depression and disruptive behavior (mean scores 3.52 vs 2.34 vs. 1.32, respectively). Coping strategies most frequently used by caregivers were acceptance (3.28), planning (3.08), and positive reinterpretation and growth (2.95). Most caregivers scored moderate to high on the RS (77%). The coping strategy acceptance correlated significantly with the memory and disruptive behavior subscales of the RMBC. Given the protective effect of problem-focused coping and the high rate of caregivers utilizing less effective coping strategies in instances of worsening cognitive dysfunction, healthcare professionals need to systematically assess the coping strategies of caregivers and deliver a more personalized approach to enhance effective coping among caregivers of patients with brain metastases.

The Savvy Caregiver Program: A Probe Multicenter Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial in Caregivers of Patients Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major cause of disability in the elderly, leading to a considerable burden on caregivers and high costs to society. Psycho-education programs such as the Savvy Caregiver Program (SCP) are reported to be a successful means of reducing caregivers' distress through various intervention strategies. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of the SCP in reducing the burden and psychological symptoms in caregivers of AD patients and to analyze the coping strategies adopted by the caregivers. The study was designed as a multicenter, randomized, controlled, pilot clinical trial. One hundred and sixty-four caregivers of patients with probable AD were randomized. The SCP was structured in six, weekly, two-hour sessions. All the clinical scales were administered before treatment, two weeks and six months after treatment. Caregivers in the SCP group displayed better coping strategies adopted to positive attitudes, and they tended to be less anxious and less depressed than those in the control group. However, caregiver burden levels were not reduced in SCP caregivers. The patients of SCP caregivers received a lower number of new prescriptions of neuroleptics during the 6 months of follow-up than the patients of control caregivers and apathy was the neuropsychiatric symptom that improved most as a result of the SCP. The results of this study suggest that the SCP may improve coping strategies of caregivers of people affected by AD, influencing their psychological symptoms and those of their patients.

Coping and adaptive strategies of traumatic brain injury survivors and primary caregivers.

Qualitative research methods allowed the investigator to contribute to the development of new theories and to examine change in processes over time, which added rich detail to existing knowledge of the use of coping and adaptive strategies by traumatic brain injury survivors and their primary caregivers (Ponsford, Sloan, & Snow, 2013). The advantages of phenomenological study were that it allows flexibility to explore and understand meanings attached by people to well-studied concepts such as coping, resiliency, and adaptation or compensation. Phenomenological study was sensitive to contextual factors. It also permitted the study of in-depth dynamics of coping and adaptive strategies of TBI survivors and primary caregivers, while understanding the social and psychological implications of the phenomenon. To explore the needs and deficits of adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors and primary caregivers; and to identify their self-initiated coping and adaptive strategies. Significant to this study was the development of coping and adaptive strategies by the participants after their discharge from inpatient and rehabilitation treatment. The compensatory skills taught in treatment settings did not transfer to the home environment. Therefore, these strategies developed independently from previous treatment recommendations contributed to the development of theory related to rehabilitation and counseling. Distinctive to this study was the similarity of coping and adaptive strategies developed from both mild and severe traumatic brain injury survivors. This study consisted of eleven with TBI and six primary caregivers (N = 17), who participated in a series of semi-structured interviews aimed at discovering the coping and adaptive strategies utilized in dealing with the effects of brain injury. A Qualitative Phenomenological design was employed. Patience and understanding, support, and professional help were identified by TBI survivors and caregivers as being their most relevant needs. Self-reported deficits included short-term memory loss (STM), fatigue, anger, and personality changes, and the strategies that TBI survivors and caregivers identified tended to address their problems with these specific day-to-day deficits. Problem focused, emotion focused, and avoidant coping were utilized to some degree in their adjustment to home life and activities of daily living. Participants offered suggestions for mental health professionals addressing how to more effectively work with brain injury survivors and their primary caregivers. TBI survivors and caregivers had multiple self-reported unaddressed needs following their discharge from facility-based treatment. They reported spontaneously engaging in various coping and adaptive strategies to address their needs and deficits. However, further education regarding potential post-TBI challenges and strategies for addressing them are needed, including a need for community and mental health resources.

The impact of caregiver coping strategies and patient level of functioning on perception of caregiver burden among caregivers of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya

ABSTRACTThere exists little research on caregiver burden among persons caring for family members with HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Research suggests that coping strategies affect the perception of caregiver burden and caregiver burden increases as a patient’s condition deteriorates. This study investigated the impact of coping strategies and activities of daily living on caregiver burden among Kenyans caring for family members living with HIV and AIDS. There was a statistically significant difference on two items of the Caregiver Burden Inventory based on patient’s total Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score. When ADLs were considered separately, there were no significant differences in caregiver burden by ADL scores. The combined coping scales on the Brief COPE were a significant predictor of caregiver burden. Self-blame, substance use, and behavioral disengagement were significantly related to caregiver burden. Implications for counselors, social workers, and researchers are discussed.

A meta-review of stress, coping and interventions in dementia and dementia caregiving.

BackgroundThere has been a substantial number of systematic reviews of stress, coping and interventions for people with dementia and their caregivers. This paper provides a meta-review of this literature 1988-2014.MethodA meta-review was carried out of systematic reviews of stress, coping and interventions for people with dementia and their caregivers, using SCOPUS, Google Scholar and CINAHL Plus databases and manual searches.ResultsThe meta-review identified 45 systematic reviews, of which 15 were meta-analyses. Thirty one reviews addressed the effects of interventions and 14 addressed the results of correlational studies of factors associated with stress and coping. Of the 31 systematic reviews dealing with intervention studies, 22 focused on caregivers, 6 focused on people with dementia and 3 addressed both groups. Overall, benefits in terms of psychological measures of mental health and depression were generally found for the use of problem focused coping strategies and acceptance and social-emotional support coping strategies. Poor outcomes were associated with wishful thinking, denial, and avoidance coping strategies. The interventions addressed in the systematic reviews were extremely varied and encompassed Psychosocial, Psychoeducational, Technical, Therapy, Support Groups and Multicomponent interventions. Specific outcome measures used in the primary sources covered by the systematic reviews were also extremely varied but could be grouped into three dimensions, viz., a broad dimension of “Psychological Well-Being v. Psychological Morbidity” and two narrower dimensions of “Knowledge and Coping” and of “Institutionalisation Delay”.ConclusionsThis meta-review supports the conclusion that being a caregiver for people with dementia is associated with psychological stress and physical ill-health. Benefits in terms of mental health and depression were generally found for caregiver coping strategies involving problem focus, acceptance and social-emotional support. Negative outcomes for caregivers were associated with wishful thinking, denial and avoidance coping strategies. Psychosocial and Psychoeducational interventions were beneficial for caregivers and for people with dementia. Support groups, Multicomponent interventions and Joint Engagements by both caregivers and people with dementia were generally found to be beneficial. It was notable that virtually all reviews addressed very general coping strategies for stress broadly considered, rather than in terms of specific remedies for specific sources of stress. Investigation of specific stressors and remedies would seem to be a useful area for future research.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12877-016-0280-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.