Differential predictors of strain and gain among husbands caring for wives with dementia

Given that women predominate in the caregiving role, researchers have largely focused on the experience of female caregivers. This cross-sectional study takes a beginning step toward understanding the differential predictors of negative (i.e., strain) and positive (i.e., gain) appraisals among 74 husbands caring for wives with dementia. Using a multivariate model of caregiver adaptation, results indicated that social resources and health were important for understanding the variation in both positive and negative appraisals. Unique predictors of strain included memory and behavior problems, and emotion-focused coping. Alternatively, education and problem-focused coping helped to explain variation found in appraisal of caregiver role gain. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.