The impact of caregiver burden and associated factors on trait anger levels and anger expression styles in family caregivers of palliative care patients.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the impact of perceived caregiver burden and associated factors on the anger levels and anger expression styles of family caregivers for patients receiving palliative care at home.

METHODS

This cross-sectional and exploratory correlational type study was conducted with 343 family caregivers. Data were collected face-to-face between March and September 2022 using a Caregiver and Care Recipient Information Form, the Burden Interview, and the Trait Anger and Anger Expression Scale.

RESULTS

There was a significant from very weak to weak correlation between the caregiver burden scores and trait anger, anger-in, anger-out, and anger control scores. The caregiver burden increased trait anger, anger-in, and anger-out while decreasing anger control. The caregiver burden, daily caregiving hours, presence of another dependent at home, presence of a separate room for the care recipient, income level, chronic illness of caregiver, duration of caregiving per month, and care recipient gender explained 17.2% of the total variation in anger control scores.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

The caregiver burden levels and anger expression styles of family caregivers vary depending on the characteristics of both the caregiver and the care recipient. Family members may experience an increase in perceived caregiver burden, which can lead to elevated levels of trait anger, suppression of anger, and reduced anger control. Healthcare professionals should monitor the family caregivers' caregiver burden and anger levels. Family caregivers should be encouraged and given opportunities to express their feelings and thoughts about caregiving. Strategies aimed at reducing the caregiver burden and coping with feelings of anger should be planned for the family members of patients receiving palliative care at home.