ASSESSING IMPACT ON FAMILY CAREGIVERS TO ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE PATIENTS

This study examined both positive and negative impact of caregiving in a sample of 110 caregivers to an aging family member suffering from A lzheimer's disease. Family caregivers' appraisals along dimensions of subjective burden, negative impact, caregiving satisfaction, and careg iver mastery were correlated with the extent of memory and behavior pr oblems of the patient and caregivers' coping style, locus of control, self-esteem, ego strength, level of depression, and perceived environm ental support. Results provide additional evidence for the multidimens ional structure of caregivers' subjective appraisals. Correlational fi ndings suggest the potential treatment utility of multicompoment inter vention programs addressing both positive and negative dimensions of f amily caregivers' experience.