Stressors in the primary caregivers of traumatic head injured persons

This study was designed to identify the intrapersonal, interpersonal and extrapersonal stressors of primary caregivers caring for a traumatic-head-injured person. Betty Neuman's (1989) theoretical model provides a conceptual framework for studying the relationship between stressors and the changing stress level of primary caregivers caring for a traumatic-head-injured person. The Appraisal Caregiving Scale and the Burden Interview were administered to 23 caregivers. Intrapersonal, interpersonal and extrapersonal stressors are identified. Caregivers differed in the changing stress level they experienced. Positive correlations were found between the intrapersonal stressors and the changing stress level and the interpersonal stressors and the changing stress level.