Men Family Caregivers' Experience of Nonsupportive Interactions Context and Expectations

作者：Neufeld Anne^*; Kushner Kaysi Eastlick

来源：Journal of Family Nursing, 2009, 15(2): 171-197.

DOI：10.1177/1074840709331643

• family caregiving
• nonsupportive interactions
• social support
• men caregivers
• dementia caregiving
• ethnography
• qualitative research

Men's involvement as family caregivers has grown as the prevalence of dementia has increased. Men rely on support from others for caregiving but also experience nonsupportive interactions. The purpose of this ethnographic study of 34 men (24 spouses and 10 sons) caring for a relative with dementia, 5 assisting caregivers, and 15 professionals was to identify primary caregivers' perceptions of nonsupportive and supportive interactions in relationships with kin and friends as well as professionals. Thematic analysis of transcribed data generated from interviews, diaries, and focus group discussions revealed the nature of men's caregiving journeys, the characteristics of their social networks, and their expectations of supportive interactions. The nonsupportive interactions men caregivers experienced included a lack of orientation to the caregiving situation, an unsatisfactory linkage to support sources, insufficient support, and hurtful interactions. Information about nonsupportive interactions can sensitize kin and friends as well as professionals to the complexity of men's experience and potentially avoid unintended negative consequences of support efforts.

• 出版日期2009-5