Coping strategies and its effects on depression among caregivers of impaired elders in Japan

The purpose of this study was to explore the coping strategies of Japanese family caregivers and to investigate relationships between coping strategies, caregiving stressors, and family caregivers' mental health. We conducted a survey by mail among family members who provided care for physically or mentally impaired elderly. In this study, we used 166 responses from family caregivers for analysis. Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis indicated three factors, categorized 'Resignation,' 'Consulting and complaining' and 'Distancing'. In addition, results of structure equation modelling suggested a significant effect of 'Resignation' on the mental health of caregivers. Although the factor structure of coping strategies was similar to other studies conducted in Western countries, the effects of coping strategies were quite different. In conclusion, the effects of coping strategies on caregivers' mental health were confirmed in this study, but different types of coping strategies from those of Western countries were found to be associated with mental health of Japanese family caregivers.