Moderating Effect of Family Function Between Dysfunctional Thoughts and Emotional Distress in Dementia Caregivers: Kinship Differences

Abstract

Caring for a family member with dementia impacts caregivers' mental health. Daughters who provide care seem to be particularly affected due to their multiple roles. The study analyzed the role of dysfunctional thoughts and family function for understanding caregivers' depressive and anxiety symptoms, focusing on the potential moderating effect of family function in the relationship between dysfunctional thoughts and distress. In addition, it examined potential differences in the obtained associations considering the kinship relationship. A total of 278 family caregivers of people with dementia were divided into four groups (wives, husbands, daughters, sons). Sociodemographic variables, family obligations, dysfunctional thoughts, frequency and discomfort associated with problematic behaviors, family function, anxious symptomatology, and depressive symptomatology were assessed. Regression analyses revealed that the moderating effect of family function was significant only for daughters. For depressive symptomatology, the model explained 28.6% of the variance for daughters, showing that high levels of dysfunctional thoughts were associated with increased depressive symptoms when family function was low or intermediate (p < 0.001), but not when it was high. Similarly, for anxious symptomatology, the model explained 23.9% of the variance for daughters, with dysfunctional thoughts again associated with higher anxiety symptoms when family function was low or intermediate (p < 0.001), but not significantly when family function was high. These findings suggest that a well-functioning family may buffer the negative impact of rigid caregiving beliefs, particularly for daughters. The results highlight the importance of interventions aimed at improving family dynamics to enhance caregivers' well-being.