Caregiving for parents and in-laws: commonalities and differences

J Gerontol Soc Work. 2013;56(1):49-66. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2012.728185.

Abstract

This study examined support, stress, and well-being between adults who provide care for an aging and disabled parent and those who care for an aging and disabled parent-in-law. The study utilized a sample of individuals caring for a parent (n = 77), individuals caring for an in-law (n = 26) and a comparison group of noncaregivers (n = 1,939) from the Midlife Development in the United States study. In-law caregivers provided more financial assistance but adult child caregivers provided more emotional support and unpaid work. Adult child caregivers reported poorer mental health and family strain; in-law caregivers reported more spouse support and less family strain.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Adult Children*
  • Aged
  • Aging*
  • Caregivers / economics
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Caregivers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Family Relations
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology