Positive Emotions in Family Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients: Factors Associated with Gain in Caregiving from a Gender Perspective

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Gender differences in the variables of burden, anxiety, depression, and others associated with psychological distress have been found in studies on caregivers caring for a dependent relative, but a gender perspective is seldom used when analysing the positive aspects of caregiving. This study contributes to filling this gap by analysing gender differences in caregivers in a specific positive variable: gain. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used in a sample of 44 male and 96 female caregivers from Family Alzheimer Associations. Gender differences were analysed in demographic and psychological variables associated with the caregiving situation. Results: Female caregivers showed higher psychological distress than male caregivers, but gender differences in gain were only obvious when a deeper analysis of the GAIN scale responses was performed. The mediational role of psychological distress and other predictive variables showed a different pattern in male and female caregivers. The important predictive and mediating role that psychological distress plays in the greater perception of gains in caregiving and the result showing that female caregivers are the ones with poorer mental health support the need for preventive and therapeutic programs specifically targeting the positive aspects of caregiving in female caregivers. Conclusions: Three aspects could be highlighted in this study: family caregivers of AD patients perceived gain in the caregiving situation; gender plays a differential role in the perception of gain; and, finally, psychological distress should be the target when interventions are planned, not only to alleviate negative aspects but also to increase the positive aspects of caregiving.