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Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 19, No. 6, 871-887 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0898264307308568

The Caregiver Stress Process and Health Outcomes

Juheui Son, PhD

Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Amy Erno, BS

Fetterolf Dental Medicine, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Dennis G. Shea, PhD

Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Elia E. Femia, PhD

Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Steven H. Zarit, PhD

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, z67{at}psu.edu

Mary Ann Parris Stephens

Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

Objective: The authors examine the impact of two caregiving stressors, care receivers' behavior problems (an objective stressor) and caregivers' feelings of overload (a subjective stressor), on three dimensions of caregiver health. Method: The participants were 234 primary caregivers of elderly relatives with dementia living in the community who completed a comprehensive interview about their current care situation, including stressors and health. Results: Higher levels of both objective and subjective stressors were associated with all three dimensions of caregiver health: poorer self-reported health, more negative health behaviors, and greater use of health care services. The association between objective stressors and health was mediated by caregivers' feelings of overload. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate caregivers' vulnerability to the effects of stressors across three dimensions of health and also underscore the importance of subjective appraisals of stress.

Key Words: caregivers • dementia • stress • health costs

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