Compulsive Sensitivity—A Consequence of Caring: A Qualitative Investigation Into Women Carer's Difficulties in Limiting Their Labours

Women are expected to care, both in public and private life, for the sick as well as the healthy. Some women have difficulties in limiting their caring, despite being deeply careworn. In this life-course study, based on in-depth interviews with elderly women in Sweden, the concept “compulsive sensitivity” presents a way toward understanding their difficulties. Compulsive sensitivity denotes the compulsion to see and respond to other people's needs, whatever one's own situation.

We thank the women whose active participation made this research possible. The research was funded by the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research.

Notes

^aHusband's occupation was important for the family status and economy as well as the amount of unpaid work that the women had to do.