Abstract
BACKGROUND: We investigated how caregiver self-esteem was associated with caregiving demands, coping, burden, and health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate how caregiver self-esteem is associated with caregiving demands, coping, burden, and health. METHODS: Sixty-one caregivers of breast cancer patients were selected from a study conducted at a cancer clinic in the Southeastern region of the United States. Guided by the revised Stress and Coping Theory, a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data was conducted. We used structural equation modeling to analyze paths between caregiver self-esteem and caregiving demands (ie, hours spent on caregiving), coping, burden, and health. RESULTS: Caregivers who effectively coped with stressful situations through strategies such as positive thinking, seeking social support, and problem solving were more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem; in turn, higher levels of self-esteem decreased caregiver burden and improved caregiver overall health. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of self-esteem among caregivers of breast cancer patients. Additional research is needed to provide more insight into the influence of coping strategies on caregiver self-esteem, as well as the role of caregiver self-esteem on caregivers' and patients' well-being. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare providers need to consider caregiver self-esteem and other associated caregiver characteristics to identify caregivers at risk of higher perceived levels of burden and poor overall health.