Author : Megan J. Baumunk
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (145 download)
Book Synopsis A Dyadic Approach to Adjustment to Disability by : Megan J. Baumunk
Download or read book A Dyadic Approach to Adjustment to Disability written by Megan J. Baumunk and published by . This book was released on 2024 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The progression of chronic illness and disability, like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease (PD), can lead to the need for a caregiver. A spouse often fills the role, and the caregiving stressors can lead to caregiver burden. There is a cyclical nature to burden and adjustment to disability and the shared experiences inevitably alters the nature of the spousal relationship. In practice and research, the spouses have been viewed and explored independently, with each individual being seen as having separate concerns and experiences, rather than the cyclical and interdependent experience. The present study examined the relationship between caregiver burden and love styles in an attempt to better understand meaning in the caregiving role, changes in love styles, and the lived experiences shared between spouses. Participants included 89 individuals with MS or PD and spousal caregivers. Online surveys consisting of several self-reported measurements were used collect data from eligible participants through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and several Parkinson's disease associations. The results suggest a relationship between caregiver burden and love styles. There were significant perceived changes in love styles from the first year of marriage to the first year of symptom onset, the first year of caregiving, and current love styles. There were also significant perceived changes between the first year of symptom onset and the first year of caregiving. The findings provide insight into understanding the role of love styles and caregiver burden in the complex changes couples experience during adjustment to disability. Caregiver depression and anxiety has a significant relationship with caregiver burden and should be considered by Rehabilitation Counselors working with spouses. Additional research and longitudinal studies are required to better understand the relationships and changes in love styles; however, Rehabilitation Counselors can utilize the value-based trends to work with couples in a more holistic way.