The Influence of the Quality of Filial Relationship on the Mental Health of Children Caregivers

• Published in: Trends in Psychology 2022-09, Vol.30 (3), p.455-467
• Main Authors: Nathalie Ferraresi Rodrigues Queluz, Francine, de Santis, Ligia, de Fatima Kirchner, Luziane, Rafael Ferreira Campos, Camila
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult children; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Caregivers; Families & family life; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Mental health; Older parents; Older people; Original Article; Parents & parenting; Psychology; Quality of life
• ISSN: 2358-1883; 2358-1883
• DOI: 10.1007/s43076-022-00140-3

With the increase in the number of older adults with any chronic disease, the number of caregivers also increases. Among the caregivers, many are children, who may have their levels of mental health reduced after they become a caregiver. Objectives: (a) verify if a positive interaction and the presence of conflicts in dyads with an adult children caregiver and an older adult care recipient are related to caregivers’ mental health problems (specifically burden and depression) and (b) verify if the presence of burden and depression in children caregiver can predict the absence of positive interaction and the presence of conflicts in the dyad. Participants: Participated of this cross-sectional study 138 caregivers, children of an older adult care-recipient, with a mean age of 51 years ( SD  = 11.2). Measurements: All participants answered: A Sociodemographic Questionnaire; the Brazilian Socioeconomic Classification Criteria; the Dyadic Relationship Scale; the Zarit Burden Interview; and the Beck Depression Inventory 2. For data analysis, Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression, using the enter method, were used. Results: The positive interaction between the dyad and the presence of conflicts was respectively negatively and positively correlated with the measures of burden and depression. The presence of burden was predictive of a worse interaction between the dyad and of the presence of conflicts. Also, the presence of depressive symptoms was predictive of the presence of conflicts. Conclusions: Strategies for promoting interpersonal relationships and those focused on caregiver’s mental health can be fundamental for improving the relationship between children’s caregivers and their parents.