Men as caregivers: reciprocal relationships or obligation?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Reciprocity is a crucial aspect of social support, influencing the sustainability of caregiver relationships.
• Equity theory posits that inequitable exchanges can lead to relationship termination, a significant factor in caregiving.
• Understanding reciprocity dynamics is essential for supporting men in their roles as caregivers for cognitively impaired older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify contexts where reciprocity is present or absent in men caregivers' relationships.
• To characterize reciprocity in relationships with care recipients, family, and friends.
• To explore men caregivers' feelings regarding reciprocal social support during caregiving.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 22 men caregivers over 18 months.
• Findings were validated through a focus group discussion with seven caregivers.
• Exploration of reciprocity variations: waived, generalized, and constructed reciprocity.

Main Results:

• Three forms of reciprocity with care recipients were identified: waived, generalized, and constructed.
• Positive feelings were associated with constructed or generalized reciprocity; waived reciprocity yielded mixed feelings.
• Absence of reciprocity led to caregiving based on obligation, with mixed or negative emotional responses.

Conclusions:

• Study findings support equity theory regarding reciprocity in caregiving relationships.
• Perceptions of obligation in caregiving may be better understood through principles of justice and caring.
• Recognizing different reciprocity types is vital for effective support of men caregivers.