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The dyadic interaction of relationships and disability type on informal carer subjective well-being

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Abstract

Purpose

Care-related factors have frequently been associated with elevated levels of distress and diminished subjective well-being. However, these variables have traditionally been considered independently. The objectives of this study were to explore the subjective well-being of informal carers in Australia and to specifically examine the effect of the dyadic interaction between the caring relationship and type of disability on the subjective well-being of informal carers.

Methods

Informal carers (n = 4,096) completed the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) and Depression and Stress Scales. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the subjective well-being of carers to the general population while controlling for socio-demographic factors. To examine the dyadic relationship, a multivariate analysis of covariance was employed.

Results

After socio-demographic variables were controlled, informal carers reported significantly lower PWI scores compared to the general population. The results of the multivariate analysis of covariance revealed a significant interaction between the caring relationship and the type of disability being managed on subjective well-being. No differences were found for symptoms of depression and stress.

Conclusions

The findings of this study imply that the detrimental effect of caring on subjective well-being is magnified for carers who support a child with a mental illness or multiple types of disabilities. These carers displayed the lowest levels of subjective well-being, highlighting the dyadic effects of care-related variables. Consideration of these factors is essential to target effective intervention programs for those most at risk of diminished well-being.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Deakin University, School of Psychology, Burwood, VIC, Australia

    Thomas Hammond, Melissa K. Weinberg & Robert A. Cummins

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  1. Thomas Hammond
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  2. Melissa K. Weinberg
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  3. Robert A. Cummins
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Correspondence to Thomas Hammond.

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Hammond, T., Weinberg, M.K. & Cummins, R.A. The dyadic interaction of relationships and disability type on informal carer subjective well-being. Qual Life Res 23, 1535–1542 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-013-0577-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-013-0577-4

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