Associations Between Family Caregiving and Romantic Relationships: An Exploratory Study With Nondistressed Couples Caring for an Outside Family Member

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Family caregiving—providing emotional and physical health care for a family member or friend with an illness or disability—can result in many outcomes, including stress and beneficial experiences. Both romantic and caregiving relationships are complex and varied. Nevertheless, little research has examined how caregiving and romantic relationships influence one another. The purpose of this study was to understand ways romantic partners who care for a family member outside of their romantic relationship perceive that their romantic relationship and caregiving experiences influence one another. Research Design and Methods A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted. A sample of 5 couples where one or both partners were caring for a relative with dementia participated in interviews about their experiences in family caregiving and in their romantic relationship, as well as how the 2 roles interacted with each other. Couple members were interviewed separately and together. Results From these interviews, themes reflecting ways that caregiving influences romantic relationships, as well as ways romantic relationships influence caregiving emerged. Themes about caregiving influencing romantic relationships were caregiver stress interacting in the romantic relationship, the romantic relationship becoming less of a priority, and benefits experienced in the romantic relationship due to caregiving. Themes about romantic relationships influencing caregiving were partners improving the caregiving experience, and workload inequality. Discussion and Implications These findings broaden our understanding of how dyadic coping affects family caregiving and may suggest ways that the mutual influences caregivers experience between romantic relationships and caregiving benefits and challenges.