Predicting caregiver stress: an ecological perspective.

The family caregiving process for children with severe emotional disorders is conceptualized from an ecological perspective and examined in light of outcomes for caregivers. This study of 259 families assessed the relative importance, individually and in combination, of various clusters of caregiver, child, family, and environmental characteristics and responses as predictors of caregiver stress. Findings raise questions about current practice and policy, and suggest directions for future research.