Changes in Relationships During Caregiving
Author Information
Author(s): Joiner Raquael, Nelson Niccole, Liu Qimin, Niemiec Stacey Schepens
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
It is unclear whether social capital disparities across different populations are a function of the transition to caregiving or whether such disparities exist prior to taking on a caregiving role.
Conclusion
Caregivers do not show significant changes in their social capital on average, but individual differences in pre-caregiving social capital affect changes in relationship quality after caregiving begins.
Supporting Evidence
- Caregivers with higher initial levels of social capital showed less decline in relationship quality before caregiving onset.
- Caregivers experienced steeper declines in relationship quality at caregiving onset.
Takeaway
When people start taking care of someone, their friendships and family relationships might not change much overall, but it can be very different for each person.
Methodology
Data from the Health and Retirement Study was analyzed using Bayesian multi-phase latent growth curve models.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on individual differences and may not capture all aspects of social capital changes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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