Graduate Program

Aging Studies

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2017

Thesis Director

Kathleen O'Rourke

Abstract

The Sandwich Generation caregiver is responsible for caring for their children and parents simultaneously (Miller, 1981). In this study, stressors, burdens, and strains were analyzed in relation to caregiver demographics and the following variables: caregiving relationship quality, caregiving roles, communication, and resources (time and finances). The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that contribute to perceived strains in Sandwich Generation caregivers. The Sandwich Generation Caregiver Survey was distributed through social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn), email, listservs, and word of mouth through a nonprobability snowball approach (Creswell, 2012). The researcher used frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores to analyze descriptive data through the use of path analysis (charts and graphs). Caregiving relationship quality displayed high levels of interconnection among caregiving roles, communication, and resources (time and finances). For caregiving roles, caregiver participants indicated feeling a low level of support from their siblings. Moderate levels of strain were perceived by caregivers in their communication patterns with siblings. Caregiver participants' perceptions of resources (time and finances) ranged from moderate to high levels of lacking resource availability and stress related to resources. Future research on caregiver strain will improve programs and support networks that provide resources, as well as self-care techniques, for Sandwich Generation caregivers.

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