Perceptions of Leisure by Family Caregivers: A Profile

Therapeutic Recreation Journal, Fourth Quarter 2004 by Bedini, Leandra A, Phoenix, Terri L

Despite the increase in research about the leisure of family caregivers, few studies provide a "profile" of family caregivers' characteristics and how they relate to various perceptions of their leisure. The purpose of this study was to identify such a profile and examine the relationships between selected caregiver characteristics and their perceptions of leisure. A usable sample of 492 questionnaires provided profile information on 16 demographic and six leisure characteristics of female family caregivers. Results showed that the caregivers valued but missed lost leisure. Chi-square analyses included indications that respondents who valued leisure were more likely to see leisure as activity that is fun, identify as Rechargers, and were less likely to perceive caregiving as financial hardship. Implications for practice and research are presented.

KEY WORDS: Family Caregivers, Women, Value of Leisure, Financial Hardship

Introduction and Purpose

Over the last decade, the body of knowledge about the leisure of informal family caregivers has grown significantly (e.g., Bedini & Guinan, 1996; Dunn & Strain, 2001 ; Dupuis & Pedlar, 1995; Dupuis & Smale, 2000; Rogers, 1997). Most of the studies that addressed caregiver leisure specifically, however, were based on results from relatively small numbers of caregivers with similar demographie characteristics. In addition, while much helpful information can be gleaned from these studies, at this time, no "profile" exists that would allow practitioners to understand the leisure perceptions and experiences of a large number of caregivers. With the knowledge that leisure activities benefit mental and physical health of older adults in particular (e.g., King, Baumann, O'Sullivan, Wilcox, & Castro, 2002; Silverstein & Parker, 2002; Singh, 2002; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2003; Verghese et al., 2003) and that caregivers want leisure in their lives (e.g., National Family Caregivers Association, 1998), it seems appropriate to explore a substantial data set of family caregivers to understand more about the factors that affect their perceptions and access to leisure experiences.

The purpose of this study was to identify such a "profile" of informal family caregivers especially with regard to their perceptions of leisure. Specifically, this study (a) provided a demographic and leisure profile of informal female family caregivers, and (b) identified relationships between selected caregiver characteristics and perceptions of leisure.

Literature Review

Leisure and Health for Caregivers

The significance of the state of caregiver wellbeing is evident by the fact that one of the initiatives of Healthy People 2010 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2003) is the development of interventions to address caregiver health. Unfortunately, caregiver strain has been associated with negative health conditions and behaviors. In particular, caregiving has been correlated with poor physical health (e.g., Braithewaite, 2000; Collins et al., 1999; Marks, 1996; O'Rourke & Tuokko, 2000). For example, Collins et al. found that 54% of women caregivers had one or more chronic health conditions. King et al. (2000) found that caregivers reported caregiving duties as a significant obstacle to being physically active. In addition, many caregivers, especially women, experience mental health consequences of caregiving such as depression (Collins et al., 1999; Whitlach & Feinberg, 1997; Yates, Tennstedt, & Chang, 1999). Several studies also linked caregiving to the potential for early mortality (Gallant & Connell, 1998; Schulz & Beach, 1999).

What is clear from the research is that leisure is an important part of family caregivers' lives. According to the National Family Caregivers Association (1998), when asked directly, family caregivers identified loss of leisure as one of the top three negative consequences to being a caregiver. Similarly, individual studies noted that caregivers miss their leisure, abandoned as a result of caregiving responsibilities (e.g., Bedini & Guinan, 1996; Cant, 1993; Dupuis & Smale, 2000; Rogers, 1997; Scharlach, 1994). The Caregiver WellBeing Scale (Tebb, 1995) identified high alpha reliabilities for the items, "time for self (.92) and "leisure activity" (.84), suggesting leisure to be important for caregiver well-being. Unfortunately, despite their desire for leisure, caregivers also find it hard to keep leisure and recreation in their lives when they take on the responsibilities of caring for a loved one (e.g., Chakrabali, Kulhara, & Venna, 1993; Dunn & Strain, 2001; Farkas & Himes, 1997; Mannell, Salmoni, & Martin, 2002; Seit/er & Li, 2000).

Research clearly shows how recreation and leisure pursuits are important to caregivers' psychological and physical health and well-being. In general, leisure activities such as physical fitness and hobbies have been related to decreased physical and emotional stress (e.g., Caltabiano, 1994; King et al., 2002; Mannell et al., 2002). More specifically, Smale and Dupuis (1993) noted that well-being in caregivers was related to hobbies, crafts, social clubs and organizations, and visiting friends. Similarly, Haley, Levine, Brown, and Bartolucci (1987) found that caregivers who perceived greater satisfaction with their social networks scored higher on measures of life satisfaction.