Research Symposium

BIO

I am a sophomore on the Pre-PA track. I am originally from Columbus, Ohio and enjoy working out, spending time with friends, and traveling. I am also involved in my sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma and Dance Marathon.

Negative Affect, Caregiver Burden, and Resilience Levels in Parent Caregivers of Children with Chronic Conditions: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Abstract

Providing care for another person impacts the caregivers’ personal well-being in many aspects of their lives. (Schulz & Sherwood, 2008) With the growing population and rise in chronic illness across the globe, it is imperative to understand how caregiving affects those providing caring on an individual level. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between negative affect (stress, depression, anxiety), caregiver burden, and resilience levels in parents of children with chronic illnesses, both before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new stressors, including fears of illness, reduced healthcare access, and social isolation, which may exacerbate the challenges faced by caregivers. A longitudinal design was used, involving 120 parents of children with chronic illnesses and a control group of parents of typically developing children. Participants were assessed for resilience, negative affect, and caregiver burden, with 60 parents reassessed after the onset of COVID-19. The results are expected to show a positive correlation between negative affect and caregiver burden, and an inverse relationship between resilience and caregiver burden and negative affect. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the compounded psychological and physiological impact of chronic caregiving, particularly in the context of external stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings may inform targeted interventions to help caregivers manage their mental health and improve their well-being, benefiting both caregivers and the children they care for.

Keywords: Caregiver Burden, Negative Affect, Chronic Illness, Resilience, Parents