Positive Person-Environment Factors as Mediators of the Relationship Between Perceived Burden and Quality of Life of Caregivers for Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injuries

The purpose of this study was to determine whether personal (caregiving mastery and problem-solving coping) and environmental (social support and professional and community support) caregiver resources mediate the relationship between caregiver perceived burden and quality of life (QOL). The sample consisted of 108 caregivers recruited from support groups who were predominantly White women. The majority of care-recipients had a severe head injury. Measures administered were the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, the COPE, Family Needs Questionnaire, Modified Caregiving Appraisal Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version. Results showed that social, professional, and community supports mediate the link between perceived burden and QOL. Caregivers of persons with traumatic brain injury frequently face elevated levels of burden, stress, and depression. Positive personal and environmental support, particularly social support, professional/community supports, and mastery, could lessen the negative impact of caregiving burden on QOL of the caregiver.