Scheuermann JS, Grässel E, Pendergrass A (2022)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2022
DOI: 10.1007/s00391-022-02097-5
Background: Informal caregivers (CGs) often fail to recognize or express a need for informal caregiver counseling (ICC) but ICC is an essential but relatively rarely used support service for CGs. Objective: Our aim is to identify predictors of CGs’ need for ICC. Stirling et al.’s need model, which includes three needs (expressed, felt, and normative), serves as a theoretical basis. Material and methods: Analyses are based on cross-sectional data (n = 958) from the “Benefits of being a caregiver” study. Predictors of the need to use ICC were analyzed with binary logistic regression. A sensitivity analysis using multiple linear regression was performed for the metric value of normative needs. Results: We found that 6.8% of CGs currently or have recently used ICC. This expressed need was related to higher education and higher effort in instrumental activities; 24.1% of CGs reported an intention to use ICC in the future. This felt need was related to male gender, lower care level, more problem-focused coping, and a desire for more informal help. Objective need for ICC (normative need), which was related to a higher burden of care, less experienced benefits, and negative relationship quality, was reported by 21.4% of CGs. According to a sensitivity analysis, higher education, a desire for informal help, and living in separate households also predicted a normative need for counseling. Discussion: Current utilization is significantly lower than the subjectively perceived and objectively existing need for ICC. The identified predictors provide initial strategies for motivating more CGs to use ICC.
APA:
Scheuermann, J.-S., Grässel, E., & Pendergrass, A. (2022). Predictors of expressed, felt, and normative needs for informal caregiver counseling: Domestic care for people aged 65+ years. Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00391-022-02097-5
MLA:
Scheuermann, Julia-Sophia, Elmar Grässel, and Anna Pendergrass. "Predictors of expressed, felt, and normative needs for informal caregiver counseling: Domestic care for people aged 65+ years." Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie (2022).
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