Appraisal and coping: Moderators or mediators of stress in Alzheimer's disease caregivers?

This study focused on one question: Do each of four caregiver responses-emotion-focused coping, problem-focused coping, appraisal of burden, and appraisal of satisfaction-mediate or moderate the effects of caregiving stress on caregiver psychological well-being? A series of regression equations was used to determine mediating and moderating effects for each of the responses in a convenience sample of 204 Hispanic and non-Hispanic caregivers. Appraisal of burden mediated the effects of caregiving stress on somatic complaints and depression; appraisal of satisfaction moderated the effects of stress on personal gain and life satisfaction; emotion-focused coping demonstrated moderating effects on depression and life satisfaction, although not in the predicted direction; problem-focused coping did not demonstrate any mediating or moderating effects. The findings indicate that development of interventions that focus on how caregivers appraise their situation, as well as their coping skills could help empower caregivers and improve their psychological well-being.