Influence of Religion on Later Burden and Health of New Black and White Caregivers. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fider, Carla R. A.; Lee, Jerry W.; Gleason, Peter C.; Jones, Patricia
• Other Names: Jensen Christine J. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 38:Number 9(2019)
• Page Start: 1282
• Page End: 1303
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: caregiver burden -- caregiver ethnicity -- caregiver gender -- religion -- caregiver health; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464817703017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

Objective: We assessed the relationship between positive aspects of religiosity and reduced stress in caregivers, and negative aspects of religiosity and increased caregiver burden.Method: Using data from the Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study, we performed multiple linear regression analysis on 584 caregivers.Results: Mental health, but not physical health, was predicted by caregiver burden. Caregivers who viewed God as loving and not controlling and felt a sense of community with their church family had less burden. Caregivers who engaged in negative religious coping had a greater decline in mental health than those who saw God as loving and not controlling and who gave emotional support to others.Discussion: Some aspects of religion appear to play an important role in alleviating the mental stresses of being a caregiver.