Comparative effectiveness of individual and group interventions to support family caregivers.

The comparative effectiveness of individual and group interventions in supporting family caregivers of frail older people was examined. An individual intervention produced more positive effects on caregiver psychological functioning and well-being than did a group intervention, whereas a group intervention produced greater improvements in caregivers' social supports. Participants in both interventions experienced significant improvements in coping with caregiving stress. Process differences are proposed as an explanation for the differential effects of the two intervention modalities. Psychological issues respond best to individual intervention, and social support issues respond best to group intervention. Therefore, the most appropriate type of intervention might be determined by the types of problems and issues specific to an individual caregiver.