Poster(s)
Gender differences in psychological distress and self-efficacy in Huntington's Disease family caregivers
A. Aubeeluck
University of Nottingham
K. Stevens-Wood
University of Nottingham
Background
There is limited research on the role of the spousal caregiver in Huntington’s Disease (HD) (Kessler, 1993, Aubeeluck & Buchanan, 2006). Moreover, little attention has been given to gender differences in HD caregiving despite the dementia caregiving literature indicating such differences (Fitting et al, 1986). Therefore, this study investigated gender differences in the HD caregiving role with particular focus on psychological distress and self-efficacy.
Method
26 female (mean age 44.1, SD = 2.54 years) and 17 male (mean age 50.1, SD = 3.42 years) HD spousal caregivers completed the Epidemiologic studies of depression scale (CES-D) (Radloff, 1977), The partners self-efficacy in providing support scale (Hagedoorn et al, 2002) and The Maslach burnout inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1986).
Findings
Independent samples t-tests found no significant reported differences between males and females in their caregiving role. However, Pearsons correlations revealed a strong positive relationship between self-efficacy and psychological distress in the female sample (r=0.768, N=26, P<0.01). Regression analysis produced a fair fit (R? adj = 41%). Thus, establishing personal accomplishment, self-efficacy and supportive behaviour as predictors of psychological distress in this caregiver sample F (3, 18) = 5.867, P<0.05 with self-efficacy making the strongest unique contribution (beta = 0.650).
Discussion
Although no significant differences were found between male and female HD caregivers, the female carers did report higher levels of psychological distress and lower levels of self-efficacy than their male counterparts. Findings are discussed in relation to existing literate and gender differences in the reporting of psychological distress.
