Knight R G, Devereux R C, Godfrey H P
Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand.
J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 1997 Feb;19(1):7-19. doi: 10.1080/01688639708403832.
Fifty-five spousal caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis completed a questionnaire assessing the stress associated with caregiving. They were found to experience a range of negative effects, similar to those reported by other groups of carers of persons with degenerative neurological diseases. The behaviors causing most distress to the carers were associated with motor problems, sudden mood changes, partner upsetting other people, incontinence and pain. Overall, wives had higher burden scores than husbands. This was accounted for primarily by their higher levels of physical distress such as tiredness. Following the stress-appraisal-coping model of Lazarus and Folkman (1984) it was hypothesized that individual differences in burden would be accounted for primarily by the carers' appraisal of the symptoms, perceived social support, and satisfaction with coping. Regression analyses supported the importance of satisfaction with coping and social support as predictors of perceived burden. In addition, life satisfaction was found to be predicted by burden independently of other predictors.
五十五名多发性硬化症患者的配偶照顾者完成了一份评估照顾相关压力的问卷。研究发现，他们经历了一系列负面影响，这与其他退行性神经疾病患者的照顾者群体所报告的情况类似。给照顾者带来最大困扰的行为与运动问题、情绪突然变化、伴侣打扰他人、大小便失禁和疼痛有关。总体而言，妻子的负担得分高于丈夫。这主要是由于她们身体上的困扰程度较高，比如疲劳。根据拉扎勒斯和福克曼（1984年）的压力评估应对模型，研究假设负担的个体差异主要由照顾者对症状的评估、感知到的社会支持以及应对满意度来解释。回归分析支持了应对满意度和社会支持作为感知负担预测因素的重要性。此外，研究发现生活满意度可由负担独立预测，不受其他预测因素影响。
