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Balancing engagement and detachment in caregiving
1University of San Francisco, School of Nursing, CA 94117, USA.
Image--The Journal of Nursing Scholarship
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Caregivers can manage cumulative demands by balancing engagement and detachment. This involves pragmatic choices, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care for effective coping.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Caregiving involves significant emotional and practical demands.
- Cumulative losses and demands can lead to caregiver burnout.
- Coping mechanisms are crucial for caregiver well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how caregivers balance engagement and detachment.
- To understand coping strategies for cumulative caregiver demands and losses.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative, descriptive study design.
- Data collected through open-ended interviews with 14 US caregivers (1992-1994).
- Grounded-theory methods used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Caregivers balancing engagement and detachment influence outcomes pragmatically.
- Conscious choices based on emotional needs, limits, and boundaries are key.
- Self-care and monitoring the balancing process are vital for effective coping.
Conclusions:
- Balancing engagement and detachment becomes more critical with prolonged caregiver involvement.
- Caregivers may require training in effective balancing skills.
- Developing these skills supports sustained caregiving and well-being.