Abstract

This research examines caregiver experiences as they relate to attachment style. The overarching hypothesis is that perceptions of the caregiver role differ depending on the degree of avoidance and anxiousness in the caregiver's attachment style. Caregiver response was measured in the areas of filial obligation, work reduction, perceived control, caregiver burden, depressive symptomatology, and preparedness for caregiving. The final sample consisted of 150 caregivers who identified as the primary caregiver for a parent over the age of 65. This sample was recruited using Mechanical Turk, an online survey distribution tool. The survey was created online with Qualtrics software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and procedures primarily focused on correlational and descriptive statistics. The results revealed several significant correlations between attachment style and caregiver burden as well as depression, supporting the hypothesis that attachment style is associated with differences in perception of the caregiver experience. This research is motivated by the increasingly urgent need for caregiver support through financial aid, counseling services, and cohesive healthcare options.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2014

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Paulson, Daniel

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences; Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0004705

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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Included in

Psychology Commons

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