Research suggests that caregiving can have both positive and negative effects on psychological functioning. It is, however, less understood how these positive and negative effects interact within individuals. The present study aimed to identify different patterns of psychological functioning and their correlates among caregivers of dementia patients. The sample included 336 older caregivers. Latent profile analysis revealed three distinct profiles. The optimally functioning profile was characterized by high levels of positive outcomes and low levels of depression. Those with a suboptimally functioning profile reported low levels of positive outcomes and increased depression symptoms. The poorly functioning profile displayed extremely high levels of depression symptoms and extremely low levels of positive outcomes. Differentiation among groups was driven by differences in social support and to a lesser extent by socio-demographic factors and caregiving experience. Results suggest that caregiving is not necessarily a burdensome role and highlight the role of social relationships.
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