Family adaptation model for spousal caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis: Testing the stress-processing theory

Abstract

Caregivers provide assistance for their family member with multiple sclerosis (MS) for an indefinite amount of time. Using Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) stress process theory as a theoretical framework, this study investigated the relationship of gender, current health problems, perceived stress, ways of coping, social support, control of internal states, and family adaptation to develop an adjustment model for caregivers of people with MS. Ninety caregivers participated in this study. Path analysis was used to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. The test of this model showed fit indices that indicated an excellent fit for the model (χ² = 18.373, p = 0.366; NFI = 0.892; CFI = 0.99; RMSEA = 0.03). The finding shows that positive coping strategies enhanced caregiver's control of internal states and subsequently led caregivers to seek social support and in turn, caregivers perceived family function positively. control of internal states, positive coping strategies, and social support buffered the negative effect from caregiver's stressors on family adjustment.