TRAUMATIC GRIEF, DEPRESSION AND CAREGIVING IN ELDERLY SPOUSES OF THE TERMINALLY ILL

This study examined the effects of changes in role function, caregivin g tasks, caregiver burden and gratification on symptoms of depression and traumatic grief. Data were derived from rater-administered and sel f-report questionnaires completed by seventy aged spouses of the termi nally ill. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that the level of caregiver burden was significantly associated with the re spondent's level of depression and traumatic grief. Results also indic ated that changes in role function, specifically in change in restrict ion of sports and recreational activities, were associated with the ca regiver's level of depression, but not with the caregiver's level of t raumatic grief The number of IADL tasks performed for the critically i ll spouse was negatively associated with the caregiver's level of depr ession (i.e., the fewer IADLs performed for the spouse, the greater se verity of depressive symptoms). The number of ADL tasks performed for the spouse or caregiver gratification was not significantly associated with the caregiver's level of either depression or traumatic grief.