The Paradox of Informal Caregiving: Benefits and Harms to Mental Health in the Context of Sense of Divine Control.

Abstract

Objectives: This research examines whether a sense of divine control modifies non-linear associations between frequency of caregiving for individuals with a chronic health condition or a limitation and two aspects of psychological distress (depression and anxiety symptomology).

Methods: Data were derived from the Caregiving, Aging, and Financial Experiences Study, a national longitudinal study of Canadians aged 65-85 (x̄=71.8) collected in 2021 and 2022 (N = 2,420). Within-between models tested non-linear associations between caregiving and the distress outcomes, examining two types of associations: (a) associations based on time-stable differences between people and (b) associations based on factors that vary within individuals over time. Moderation of these associations by time-stable sense of divine control (due to its high stability) was subsequently tested.

Results: At the between- and within-person levels, frequency of caregiving was non-linearly associated with both outcomes, with benefits of caregiving at lower frequencies of care and detriments at higher frequencies. This pattern was more pronounced for within-person caregiving. For several associations, the salubrious aspects were strengthened and the deleterious aspects weakened by a sense of divine control, thereby indicating stress buffering.

Discussion: Reaching the end of life may place a burden on caregivers, but caregiving can have benefits for mental health at a lower frequency of care, leading to non-linear associations between frequency of caregiving and psychological distress. A failure to consider non-linearity may conceal these benefits. Beliefs in a supportive relationship with a higher power through a sense of divine control bolster the benefits and weaken the mental health detriments of caregiving.