Date of Award

5-2021

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Shon, Herbert

Abstract

The aging population is rapidly growing within the United States and with advanced age comes an increased likelihood for the need of assistance in completing various activities of daily living. The caregiving literature has thoroughly documented causes and manifestations of caregiver burnout, but there is little mention of interventions for this population. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey of current caregivers to identify sociodemographic factors and descriptive characteristics related to how each respondent fulfills caregiver duties. The survey also measured personal affect, as operationalized by the Negative and Positive Affect Scale (NAPAS) and level of burnout, as measured by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). A one-way between groups ANOVA and independent samples t-test was performed, which revealed no significant relationship between sociodemographic or other risk factors and resulting affect or level of burnout. A correlation analysis was utilized to examine the relationship between affect and level of burnout. Although no significant relationship was found between overall affect and level of burnout, a significant relationship was found between scores on the positive NAPAS subscale and levels of burnout, as well as scores on the negative subscale of the NAPAS and levels of reported burnout. These findings indicate that social workers should continue to explore how positive cognitions can help caregivers achieve resiliency in their role. Limitations and implications for social work policy and practice are also discussed.

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