Examining the Indirect Effect of Dementia Caregiving Status on Mental Health Through Coping Resources

Caregivers of older adults with dementia generally report poorer mental health than those caring for other chronic conditions. Research indicates that coping resources such as resilience and perceived gains can improve mental health. This study examined the indirect effects of dementia caregiving status on mental health through coping resources. Participants were 2242 caregivers of Medicare enrollees aged 65 and older from the 2017 National Study of Caregiving. Path analysis was conducted to examine the study aim. Dementia caregiving was associated with higher levels of resilience, which in turn, was associated with reduced psychological distress and increased psychological well-being. Perceived gains were negatively associated with psychological distress and positively associated with psychological well-being. The study highlighted resilience as a mechanism underlying differential mental health outcomes between dementia and non-dementia caregivers, as well as the role of perceived gains in enhancing well-being. Interventions should promote resilience and help caregivers recognize caregiving gains.