Life satisfaction and the mediating role of character strengths and gains in informal caregivers

Abstract

Introduction: Being an informal caregiver can have both negative and positive consequences for well-being. Within the framework of he stress process model, few studies have examined values and perceived gains of caregiving as mediating variables of life satisfaction. Aim: To explore the role of character strengths and perceived gains as mediators in the association between life satisfaction and primary and secondary stressors in informal caregivers of persons with dementia. Method: Participants were 112 informal caregivers. Hierarchical regression, correlation and mediation analyses were performed. Results: Lower life satisfaction was associated with being female, unmarried, caring for someone with greater cognitive impairment, a higher level of stress, having restricted leisure time and perceiving financial difficulties. Hope mediated the associations between perceived stress and both life satisfaction and perceived gains of caregiving. Discussion: Hope is a key strength and its lack is one pathway through which stress may cause low satisfaction and low perceived gains from caregiving. Implications for practice: Without hope, it is difficult for caregivers to generate goals and be motivated to achieve them. Nursing and care staff should aim to promote a sense of purpose and achievement among informal caregivers so as to foster a more positive caring experience.