Guiding research in family care: a new approach to oncology caregiving

Abstract

Objective: Much research has documented both negative emotional and physical health conditions that may result from providing care to a family member with an illness. However, little has been done in family caregiving, particularly in oncology, to evaluate pathways in which biological and behavioral responses to stress may interact. The purpose of this article is to describe how a mind-body (biobehavioral) model can be adapted to study family caregivers of persons with a brain tumor.

Method: A systematic literature review was performed on caregiving literature in the area of dementia and oncology to provide support for proposed relationships in the model.

Results: Prior research supports the application of a biobehavioral model to family caregiving in neuro-oncology and suggests ways in which emotional reactions to caregiving may be manifested as changes in physical health.

Conclusion: Suggestions for conducting biobehavioral research in oncology caregiving and alternative variables for future research are presented.