The Moderating Role of Psychological Flexibility in The Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Well-being in Informal Caregivers

Abstract

Informal caregivers have large economic value and make a valuable contribution to healthcare, relieving the burden of formal caregivers. Research shows that caregivers experience high levels of stress that has detrimental consequences to their overall well-being. Psychological flexibility (PF) appears to be an important psychological resource for informal caregivers to cope with the stress they experience. This mixed-methods, cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between perceived stress, well-being and PF in informal caregivers using an online survey (n = 88) and qualitative interviews (n =3). Results showed a negative relationship between perceived stress and well-being, supporting the hypothesis that higher stress correlates with lower well-being. Additionally, PF did not moderate this relationship but partially mediated it, indicating that high stress diminishes PF, subsequently reducing well-being. Qualitative data indicated how informal caregivers experience stress and how it impacts their well-being and PF. The common PF processes included acceptance, committed action, self as context and values. The present study highlights the stress informal caregivers experience, the negative impact of stress on well-being, and the importance of PF to cope with stressful circumstances. Future avenues of research could explore the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to increase PF in combination with state-provided practical support to support the well-being of informal caregivers and their care recipients. These findings highlight the systemic issues that must be addressed to enhance informal caregiver well-being.