Spousal caregivers who feel appreciated by the care recipient feel better about their role, according to a study published in the journal Health Psychology.
In most contexts, helping others alleviates stress and improves well-being. A 2017 study, for example, found that just promising to help another person could make people happier. Research consistently shows caregiving is among the most demanding roles a person can adopt. Caregivers report high levels of stress and burnout and are more likely than non-caregivers to experience depression.
The study suggests highlighting the positive effects of their work may help caregivers reap the psychological benefits of helping others.
This article continues at GoodTherapy.org.