Psychological Profile of the Caregiver for End-of-Life COPD Patient
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21134/pssa.v14i1.2Keywords:
final de vida, Cuidador familiar, psicopatología, enfermedad pulmonar, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónicaAbstract
Introduction: Providing care to a family member with end-of-life chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a stressful event for most individuals. This study aims to examine the relationship between attachment styles, the accumulation of stressful life events, and the development of psychopathology, especially complicated grief, in family caregivers of patients with advanced-stage COPD. Method: Our sample consists of 37 family caregivers of end-of-life COPD patients. Through descriptive and relational analyses, we explore the association between clinical variables of the patient and the family caregiver. Results: The findings indicate that family caregivers taking care of a COPD patient with higher dependency or cognitive impairment had higher scores in perceived burden, psychopathology, and a poorer sense of overall well-being. Relationships were found between different attachment styles, psychopathology, and complicated grief risk factors. Lastly, a connection was also identified between the number of stressful life events and the development of psychopathology. Conclusion: It is crucial to understand the risk and protective factors present in caregivers of end-of-life COPD patients to minimize their vulnerability to developing psychopathology and ensure a better adjustment to loss.
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