Although resourcefulness may facilitate coping with caregiver stress and burden, it has not been among African American women for whom caregiving is culturally prescribed. Objective: Using Rosenbaum’s theory of resourcefulness, this study examined situational (socioeconomic status, social support, daily hassles), physiological (age, body mass index, number of health problems, systolic blood pressure), and psychological factors (positive cognitions) as predictors of resourcefulness. Methods: A random sample of 97 African American caregivers and 110 noncaregivers provided data via structured interviews and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results: No physiological indicators predicted resourcefulness; however, daily hassles, social support, and positive cognitions were significant predictors. Age, number of health problems, daily hassles, and social support had indirect effects on resourcefulness through positive cognitions. Discussion: These findings suggest a need to further examine the impact of daily hassles, social support, and positive cognitions on caregiving and continued review of models for predicting resourcefulness in African American women.
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