BURDEN OF CARE, PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AS CORRELATES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AMONG CAREGIVERS OF MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS.

Purpose: Psychological health has been reported as an important factor influencing individual’s various behaviors, activities, happiness and performance. This study examined burden of care, social support and emotional intelligence among caregivers of mentally ill patients as correlates of psychological health Materials and Methods: The research sample included two hundred (200) caregivers that were selected from the Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital Yaba, Nigeia, using simple random sampling. They were individually administered the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), emotional intelligence scale (EI) and General Health Questionnaire. The study adopted a correlational design. A multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Four hypotheses were tested using statistical package for social sciences version 23. Findings: The results indicate that there was significant inverse relationship between burden of care and psychological health (r= -.643, df = 200, p<.01). Also, there was positive significant relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological health (r= .172, df = 200, p<.05). There was significant positive relationship between social support and psychological health (r= .322, df = 200, p<.01). Finally, caregivers’ burden of care, emotional intelligence and perceived social support jointly predicted psychological health (R2 = 0.44, F (3,196) = 51.63, p < .01). Burden of care (β = -.595, t=-10.64, p<.05) and perceived social support (β = .210, t=2.39, p<.05) were significant independent predictors of psychological health. While emotional intelligence (β = .052, t=0.61, p>.05) found to have no independent significant prediction on the psychological health. The findings of the study were discussed and it suggested the need for caregiver education and support programs. Recommendation: The study recommends that family support groups should be created for assisting caregivers and advocating for the promotion of their well-being in society.