The Cycle of Adjustment to Multiple Sclerosis: Impact of Coping on Caregivers' Relationships
Abstract
The current research study aimed to determine how individual coping and dyadic coping buffered the association between caregiver burden and relationship satisfaction in partners of individuals with multiple sclerosis. There is currently little research that examines the caregiver experience as well as looking at how dyadic coping and caregiver burden interact. Utilizing the resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation, it was hypothesized that dyadic coping and individual coping would lead to increased relationship satisfaction while caregiver burden would lead to decreased relationship satisfaction. Additionally, it was hypothesized that individual coping and dyadic coping would act as buffers between caregiver burden and relationship satisfaction. Through the use of linear regressions, it was determined that dyadic coping was positively associated with relationship satisfaction, and dyadic coping acted as a buffer between caregiver burden and relationship satisfaction. Individual coping was not found to have a significant association with relationship satisfaction and did not buffer the experience of caregiver burden and relationship satisfaction. The results of this study can help contribute to literature in systemic approaches to experiences with caregiving as well as developing support for caregivers of those with multiple sclerosis.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Edwards, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Behavioral psychology
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