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Fei Wang_Dissertation.pdf (968.41 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

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Caregiving Stressors and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Female Caregivers of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Secondary Stressors and Informal Support

Wang, Fei
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1686670214259525

Abstract Details

, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Social Welfare.
Using data from a sample of female caregivers (age 50 or older) of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in greater Cleveland area, this dissertation examined: 1) the relationship between caregiving stressors and depressive symptoms; 2) the mediating effect of secondary stressors on the relationship between caregiving stressors and depressive symptoms; and 3) the moderating effect of informal support on the relationship between caregiving stressors and depressive symptoms. Findings show that neither assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) nor the severity of impairments of the individual with ASD was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. As the secondary stressor, negative caregiving effect on daily routines mediated the relationship between assistance with ADLs and IADLs and depressive symptoms. However, negative caregiving effect on daily routines did not mediate the relationship between severity of impairments and depressive symptoms. Neither general support nor caregiving-specific support was found to moderate the association between caregiving stressors and depressive symptoms. Nonetheless, the protective effect of general support against depressive symptoms was consistently identified in the analyses. Additionally, findings have identified that caregivers’ annual household income was a protective factor against depressive symptoms. Overall, the collective findings of this dissertation indicate that older female caregivers who provided care to individuals with ASD not only experience stressors related to caregiving but also encounter challenges in different areas of life due to caregiving. Caregiving stressors may not have a direct effect on caregivers’ depressive symptoms directly but instead may indirectly impact them through secondary stressors. This finding highlights the role of secondary stressors as modifiable factors that can impact the mental health of older caregivers of individuals with ASD. Findings of this dissertation can inform a comprehensive assessment framework for social workers to identify both caregiving and secondary stressors experienced by older caregivers of individuals with ASD. Additionally, by identifying the protective effect of general support against depressive symptoms, the current dissertation contributes to the development of interventions tailored to increase general support as a means to improve mental health.
Ann Nguyen (Committee Chair)
Sonia Minnes (Committee Member)
David Hussey (Committee Member)
Christopher Burant (Committee Member)
Aging; Mental Health

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wang, F. (n.d.). Caregiving Stressors and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Female Caregivers of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Secondary Stressors and Informal Support [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1686670214259525

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wang, Fei. Caregiving Stressors and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Female Caregivers of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Secondary Stressors and Informal Support. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1686670214259525.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wang, Fei. "Caregiving Stressors and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Female Caregivers of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Secondary Stressors and Informal Support." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University. Accessed NOVEMBER 23, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1686670214259525

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1686670214259525
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This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.