Method

1. Trait Resilience and Distress Among Family Caregivers of Children with Severe DisabilitiesReceiving Pulmonary ServicesCourtney Francis1, Ryan T. Blucker1, Robert Warren2, Ann Marie Warren3, Timothy R. Elliott1, and Jack W. Berry41Texas A&M University, Department of Educational Psychology 2Arkansas Children’s Hospital3Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation4Samford University Results Introduction Cluster analysis of BFQ yielded 3 cluster prototypes: 22 caregivers were characterized as resilient, 17 were uncontrolled types, and 17 were overcontrolled types. As referenced in Figure1, the resilient caregiver group is a perfect reflection of what is typically found in trait resilience: high extraversion, low neuroticism, and above average on openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. The undercontrolled group is high on extraversion, but also high in neuroticism, and below average in agreeableness and conscientiousness. The overcontrolled group is low on extraversion and high neuroticism (the signature feature of this type). A series of one-way ANOVAs revealed that the resilient caregivers reported significantly lower levels of anxiety (p=.035) and greater mental health (p=.001) than caregivers characterized as uncontrolled or overcontrolled (See Table 1). Overcontrolled caregivers reported significantly greater tendencies to avoid problems, and a more negative problem-solving orientation than other caregivers. Resilient caregivers reported more rational problem-solving abilities and a more positive orientation than others. These findings are consistent with the Berry et al study of personality prototypes. As the literature suggests the characteristics found in resilient prototypes do not uniquely predispose an individual to better health and adjustment nor do the characteristics found in overcontrolled and undercontrolled types predispose one to distress. The purpose of this study was to examine personality prototypes among family caregivers of children with severe disabilities, and the relation of trait resilience to their distress. Research indicates that as with many caregiver roles, burnout and psychological distress are commonplace. Furthermore, the literature suggests that the Big Five personality factors (John & Srivastava, 1999), can be reliable predictors of functioning in important domains of life such as psychological adjustment and coping (McCrae, 1991; McCrae & Costa, 1986), overall happiness and satisfaction with life (Costa & McCrae, 1980; Myers & Diener, 1995), and general physical health and wellness behaviors (Booth-Kewley & Vickers, 1994). More recently, the Big Five personality can be used to determine personality prototypes, including trait resilience, that may be associated with adjustment and coping in times of stress (Berry, Elliott & Rivera, 2007). Trait resilience has yet to examined among family caregivers, generally, and specifically among caregivers of children with severe neurodisabilities who require chronic pulmonary management. Figure 1. Table 1. Method This study is a cross-sectional study of 60 caregivers of children with severe disabilities who were being followed for chronic pulmonary management. Caregivers provided informed consent and completed the Big 5 Questionnaire (BFQ). Participants were family caregivers of children with severe disabilities who are seen in the Arkansas Center for Respiratory Technology Dependent Children (ACRTDC) outpatient clinic. The caregivers of these children, and the focus of this study, are typically parents (either coupled or single), grandparents, older siblings, or an extended family member. Participants were self- identified as a primary caregiver of a patient followed in the ACRTDC program. Measures given include the PHQ (to assess depression and anxiety), the SF-12 (to assess physical and mental health), and a measure of social problem solving abilities. First hierarchical clustering with Ward's to get the personality clusters, then we used a k-means clustering using the results of Ward's method as a starting point. Differences between the personality prototypes on the adjustment variables were then examined. Discussion *all p’s < .05 Family caregivers who have resilient personality styles may be less likely to have anxiety issues. Caregivers who are more overcontrolled may be particularly predisposed to distress and lack effective problem-solving skills. Although the study is limited by its cross-sectional nature and its reliance on self-report measures, the results indicate that trait resilience may be identified among family caregivers, and caregivers have characteristics associated with an overcontrolled personality style may be prone to distress and adjustment problems. This information may be useful in developing strategic programs for caregivers who may be at risk for distress.