Publication Abstract Display
Type: Published Manuscript
Title: Research on physiological and physical concomitants of caregiving: where do we go from here?
Authors: Vitaliano PP, Schulz R, Kiecolt-Glaser J, Grant I
Year: 1997
Publication: Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Volume: 19 Issue: Pages: 117-123
Abstract:This article discusses the current state of research on the physiological and physical concomitants of caregiving. We offer recommendations about theoretical, empirical, and treatment issues that researchers should consider in future investigations. Important theoretical issues include specifying acute and chronic stress in caregiving research. Empirical issues include sample selection, home versus clinic assessments, the use of experimental probes, moderating and mediating variables, and measurement issues (problems with self-report of health, medical records, physical exams, and lab assessments). Finally, we note that investigators should use this newfound knowledge to target interventions to specific subsets of vulnerable caregivers. In this way, basic research into caregiving, as a model of chronic human stress, can provide more focused approaches to benefit both caregivers and patients.

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