The stress experienced by caregivers of stroke survivors: is it all in the mind, or is it also in the body?

Abstract

With a growing awareness that caring for an individual disabled by stroke may lead to stress-related health problems, fifteen major studies of the health status of carers of stroke survivors have been conducted since 1979. Although general stress theory indicates that stress-related health problems may be physical or psychological, in most of the studies reviewed psychological health is emphasized. Possible explanations for this bias are outlined in the present paper including: (a) how the backgrounds of the investigators involved may have influenced the nature of their research; (b) the effect of differences in the availability of standardized physical and psychological health measures; and (c) the possibility that the stress experienced by carers of stroke victims is primarily psychological. The commentary concludes with suggestions for future research to redress the imbalance and discusses some of the methodological difficulties potentially involved.