Influences of spiritual well-being and coping on mental health of family caregivers for elders

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe spiritual well-being of family caregivers of elders with congestive heart failure and examine the relationships among family caregivers' spiritual well-being, coping, and mental health. A descriptive, correlational research design was used, and data were collected from a convenience sample of 50 family caregivers. The findings indicated that positive spiritual well-being was inversely related to negative mental health. Examination of the spiritual well-being subscales suggested that faith/belief systems and life satisfaction contributed to the significant correlation. Positive coping strategies were inversely related to negative mental health. Examination of the coping subscales suggested that scores on Problem Solving and Coping, Alternative Perception of Events, and Dealing with Stress Symptoms contributed to the significant correlation with mental health scores. It is vital to identify processes that contribute to family caregivers' mental health to support them in their role.