Stress and Loneliness Among Family Caregivers of Older Persons With Cognitive Impairment: The Mediating Role of Social Isolation and the Moderating Role of Personal Mastery

Abstract

Objectives Relatively little attention has been paid to the underlying processes and conditions leading to loneliness among caregivers of older persons with cognitive impairment (PCI). Drawing upon the caregiver stress-process model and the social relationship expectations framework, this study examined the mediating role of social isolation and the moderating role of caregiver personal mastery in the association between PCI memory and behavioral problems and caregiver loneliness. Methods Structural equation modeling was applied to cross-sectional data from 266 caregivers in Singapore. Results Caregiver-reported PCI memory and behavioral problems were associated with increased levels of caregiver loneliness. Caregiver social isolation partially mediated the association and caregiver personal mastery moderated the association. Discussion Caregivers with low mastery were more likely to experience loneliness due in part to social isolation resulting from their PCI’s memory and behavioral problems. Tailored interventions should address caregiver social isolation and foster caregiver personal mastery.