African American and White Female Caregivers and the Sociocultural Stress and Coping Model

Abstract

This study compares 35 African American and 35 White female dementia caregivers using the Sociocultural Stress and Coping Model. Demographic differences are highlighted, as are differences in values and health outcomes. African American caregivers reported lower levels of income and higher levels of familism, but similar levels of active and avoidant coping compared with White caregivers. The groups did not differ in depressive symptoms or burden, but perceived physical health was worse among African American caregivers in the sample. The findings are discussed in the context of the Sociocultural Stress and Coping Model, focusing on the cultural measure of familism.

Key Words:

• Caregiving
• stress
• African Americans
• dementia