Journal of consulting and clinical psychology
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J Consult Clin Psychol · Feb 2014
Prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms among cancer caregivers 5 years after the relative's cancer diagnosis.
Few studies address the longer term psychological adjustment of family caregivers who provide care to a relative with cancer. This study aimed to document levels of depressive symptoms among caregivers 5 years after their relative's initial diagnosis and to identify psychosocial factors that may prospectively predict caregivers' depressive symptoms at that time. ⋯ The findings highlight the importance of caregiving stress and social support early in caregivership, even for outcomes that emerge 3 years later. Findings suggest that family members who are actively involved in cancer care at the 5-year mark may benefit from programs designed to improve their adjustment to long-term caregiving.