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The Mental Well-Being of Caregivers: Impacts, Benefits and Advancements
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The Mental Well-Being of Caregivers: Impacts, Benefits and Advancements

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Behavioral and Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 12378

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Lawrence T. Lam

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao 999078, China
Interests: mental public health; child and adolescent mental health; mental well-being across the life span; behavioral and clinical epidemiology; medical statistics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the increasing life expectancy of the global population, there is also a corresponding growing prevalence of chronic diseases in the population despite the rapid advancement of medical technologies. This has resulted in a significant increase in patients requiring medical attention and care. In many cases, it has also translated into an increase in individuals providing informal care to relatives and loved ones with chronic illnesses or conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a caregiver as “a person who provides support and assistance, formal or informal, with various activities to persons with disabilities or long-term conditions, or individuals who are elderly. This person may provide emotional or financial support, as well as hands-on help with different tasks”. Hence, a caregiver could be a person who provides care, assistance, and support to others, either paid or unpaid, in a formal or informal setting. Mental well-being has long been accepted as a complex construct that encompasses different domains, including a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Scholars in the field have proposed that mental well-being consists of two of the hedonic aspects, referring to the subjective feelings of happiness and satisfaction in life, whereas the eudaimonic aspect relates to the psychological functioning and actualization of the individual’s potential, capacity, and positive relationship with the self and others. In this Special Issue, we would like to explore the effects of caregiving on mental well-being, including all three aspects in the caregivers themselves and/or other aspects that are also related to the caregivers. These effects may have a negative impact, or on the other hand, a positive benefit to caregivers. As a public mental health measure, we are also interested in investigating efficacious and effective interventions for the advancement of the mental well-being of caregivers.

Prof. Dr. Lawrence T. Lam
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • caregivers
  • carers
  • mental well-being
  • psychological well-being
  • burden of caring
  • caregiver’s mental health
  • positive aspects of caregiving
  • intervention
  • positive mental health

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
Determinants of Quality of Life in Thai Caregivers of Dependent Older Adults: The Role of Health Promotion and Occupational Risks
by Sasithorn Thanapop, Bussarawadee Saengsuwan, Irniza Rasdi and Chamnong Thanapop
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040578 - 7 Apr 2025
Viewed by 341
Abstract
Caregiving for dependent older adults presents significant health and occupational challenges, particularly in rural Thailand. This study examines predictors of health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) among in-home caregivers, focusing on health promotion, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevention, and occupational health practices. An analytic cross-sectional [...] Read more.
Caregiving for dependent older adults presents significant health and occupational challenges, particularly in rural Thailand. This study examines predictors of health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) among in-home caregivers, focusing on health promotion, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevention, and occupational health practices. An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 701 caregivers across 23 districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat, southern Thailand. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing socio-demographics, health behaviors, working conditions, and HR-QOL using the Thai SF-36V2. Stepwise regression analysis identified key predictors of HR-QOL. Our findings indicate that most caregivers were female (81.5%), middle-aged (mean age: 47.7 years), and had moderate education levels. Over half experienced moderate exposure to occupational hazards, including physical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks, contributing to job strain, inadequate rest, and strained relationships. HR-QOL scores suggested that a significant proportion of caregivers had moderate to poor quality of life, particularly in physical health domains. Stepwise regression analysis showed that better self-reported health promotion behaviors and occupational hazard prevention practices were positively associated with HR-QOL, whereas the presence of NCDs had a negative impact. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance caregivers’ well-being and inform public health strategies for strengthening community-based care systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mental Well-Being of Caregivers: Impacts, Benefits and Advancements)
17 pages, 1085 KiB  
Article
The Architectural Layout of Long-Term Care Units: Relationships between Support for Residents’ Well-Being and for Caregivers’ Burnout and Resilience
by Yifat Rom, Ido Morag, Yuval Palgi and Michal Isaacson
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050575 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2073
Abstract
With a growing need for long-term care facilities in general, and for specialized dementia units in particular, it is important to ensure that the architectural layouts of such facilities support the well-being of both the residents and the unit caregivers. This study aimed [...] Read more.
With a growing need for long-term care facilities in general, and for specialized dementia units in particular, it is important to ensure that the architectural layouts of such facilities support the well-being of both the residents and the unit caregivers. This study aimed to investigate correlations between the support provided by the architectural layout of long-term care units for enhancing residents’ well-being and for decreasing unit caregivers’ burnout and increasing their resilience—as layouts may impact each party differently. The Psycho Spatial Evaluation Tool was utilized to assess the support provided by the layouts of seventeen long-term care units (ten regular nursing units and seven specialized dementia units) for the residents’ physical and social well-being (five dimensions); a questionnaire was used to measure the unit caregivers’ burnout and resilience. When analyzing layouts’ support for residents’ physical and social well-being, inconsistencies emerged regarding correlations with caregivers’ burnout and resilience across the two types of long-term care units. Supporting residents’ physical well-being was correlated with increased caregiver resilience in dementia units, and with increased burnout and decreased resilience in regular nursing units. Layouts supporting social well-being showed inconsistent correlations with caregivers’ resilience indexes in dementia units, and with burnout and resilience indexes in regular nursing units. The findings underscore the role of the architectural layout of long-term care units in enhancing residents’ well-being; the results also highlight the possible unintentional yet negative impact of the layout on the caregivers’ burnout and resilience. This study emphasizes the need to identify and rectify design shortcomings as a means of enhancing residents’ well-being, while increasing the unit caregivers’ resilience and decreasing their burnout. These insights should be addressed when developing strategies and interventions for ensuring optimal care environments for all parties involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mental Well-Being of Caregivers: Impacts, Benefits and Advancements)
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10 pages, 324 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Anxiety Symptoms and Perceived Quality of Life among Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Amazon
by Rayanne Vieira da Silva, Manuela Maria de Lima Carvalhal and Daniela Lopes Gomes
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050545 - 26 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2284
Abstract
The relationship between anxiety symptoms and perceived quality of life among caregivers of children with autism was verified. To assess perceived quality of life, the Short Form Healthy Survey Item was used; perception of anxiety symptoms was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. [...] Read more.
The relationship between anxiety symptoms and perceived quality of life among caregivers of children with autism was verified. To assess perceived quality of life, the Short Form Healthy Survey Item was used; perception of anxiety symptoms was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Eighty caregivers of children with autism participated, with 68.7% of caregivers being mothers. Of the total number of caregivers, 68.8% had a severe level of anxiety. Regarding perceived quality of life, they demonstrated greater impairment in limitation due to physical aspects, limitation due to emotional aspects, vitality, and pain. Caregivers with severe anxiety levels had a worse quality of life in the domains of pain (p = 0.012), social aspects (p < 0.001), limitation due to emotional aspects (p = 0.001), and mental health (p < 0.001). However, in the functional capacity domain, caregivers with a moderate level of anxiety had a better physical capacity score (p = 0.001). There was a negative correlation between the general anxiety score and the general physical (p = 0.029) and general emotional components of perceived quality of life (p < 0.001). It was found that caregivers of children with ASD have a high level of anxiety, which is a predictor of the perception of a worse quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mental Well-Being of Caregivers: Impacts, Benefits and Advancements)
21 pages, 419 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Potential Impact of Training on Short-Term Quality of Life and Stress of Parents of Children with Autism: The Integrative Parents’ Autism Training Module
by Nikoletta Mavroeidi, Christos Sifnaios, Ariadne Ntinou, Giorgos Iatrou, Olympia Konstantakopoulou, María Merino Martínez, Martina Nucifora, Ibrahim Tanrikulu and Antonios Vadolas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040474 - 13 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3838
Abstract
Parents of autistic children experience high levels of parental stress and low quality of life related to the demanding child caring burden they experience. Parent education and training programs are acknowledged to improve parental well-being and reduce parenting stress. In the framework of [...] Read more.
Parents of autistic children experience high levels of parental stress and low quality of life related to the demanding child caring burden they experience. Parent education and training programs are acknowledged to improve parental well-being and reduce parenting stress. In the framework of the Erasmus+ Integrative Autism Parents Training Project (IPAT), we developed the IPAT Training Module based on parents’ expressed needs, in order to improve parental quality of life (QoL) and decrease their perceived stress. Sixty-two parents from four countries participated in the IPAT Module Training activity. We used WHOQOL-BREF and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10 version) for QoL and stress, respectively, before and after training and a study-specific questionnaire to assess participants’ satisfaction. Parents’ QoL improved significantly in the environment domain and specific items, while stress levels remained unmodified. Training appeared more advantageous for parents with lower initial QoL and those whose child had been enrolled in a special education program for an extended duration. Parents were quite satisfied, in particular those with lower initial social relationships QoL. Larger studies including a control group are necessary to support preliminary evidence provided by this study, identify additional effect moderators, and disentangle the contribution of different components of the training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mental Well-Being of Caregivers: Impacts, Benefits and Advancements)

Review

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12 pages, 279 KiB  
Review
Mental and Physical Well-Being of Partners of People Living with Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review
by Toby R. O. Newton-John, Shari Cave and Debbie J. Bean
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020205 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1186
Abstract
This narrative review aims to explore the mental and physical well-being of partners of individuals living with chronic pain. Chronic pain not only affects those who suffer from it, but also significantly impacts the lives of their partners; however, the impacts on partners [...] Read more.
This narrative review aims to explore the mental and physical well-being of partners of individuals living with chronic pain. Chronic pain not only affects those who suffer from it, but also significantly impacts the lives of their partners; however, the impacts on partners are not well recognised, despite extensive evidence indicating that their quality of life can be equally affected. This review synthesises current literature to identify the psychological and physical challenges faced by these partners, including increased stress, anxiety, depression, and the potential for developing chronic health conditions themselves. A search of Medline for “chronic pain” and “partner/spouse” from January 1990 to the present was performed, and relevant articles were selected for review. The main findings were that while partners often experience a range of negative physical and psychosocial impacts on their quality of life, dyadic coping strategies can mitigate these effects. This review underscores the importance of future research to develop targeted interventions that address the unique needs of this population, promoting better health outcomes and fostering resilience in the face of chronic pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mental Well-Being of Caregivers: Impacts, Benefits and Advancements)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

10 pages, 1436 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Prevalence of Caregiving among Young People
by Lawrence T. Lam and Mary K. Lam
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050621 - 14 May 2024
Viewed by 1641
Abstract
With the increasing number of people with chronic diseases and disabilities, the number of family members as caregivers have also been growing. Despite the attention paid to caregiving in recent years, little is known about caregiving among young people, particularly its global prevalence. [...] Read more.
With the increasing number of people with chronic diseases and disabilities, the number of family members as caregivers have also been growing. Despite the attention paid to caregiving in recent years, little is known about caregiving among young people, particularly its global prevalence. The lack of information has important implications for health policy and management, resulting in the inability to form appropriate evidence-based policies and managerial decision making. This study aims to derive an estimate of the prevalence of caregiving among young people through a systematic review of the current literature. The results of this study revealed a prevalence of caregiving among younger adolescents of between 1.1% (1.06–1.14%) and 12.0% (11.02–12.98%). However, the assessment of caregiving varies across studies, and all were conducted in developed countries. These results provide information on the burden of caregiving in young people and reveal the lack of global information, calling for more research on and attention to this specific population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mental Well-Being of Caregivers: Impacts, Benefits and Advancements)
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