Positive Experiences in Caregivers: An Exploratory Case Series

Background: Recent research into positive experiences in caregivers has begun to redress the traditional focus on negative aspects of caregiving experiences. Method: This exploratory study used a cognitive-behavioural approach - namely. the transactional stress model (Lazarus and Folkman, 1984) - to investigate associations between appraisals, coping, and gains over a 6-week period in a small sample (N=4: case series) design involving stroke caregivers. Analysis involved Visual inspection of graphs. Supported by descriptive statistics, and covariation analysis. Results: Participants reported high levels of positive experiences. and these increased over the Study period, a previously unreported trend. The Study also found individual differences in the interactions between appraisal, coping. and caregiving gain variables, findings explained by the transactional stress model. Conclusions: Implications for clinical practice and future research are addressed.