Double- and Triple-Duty Caregiving Men: An Examination of Subjective Stress and Perceived Schedule Control

J Appl Gerontol. 2018 Apr;37(4):464-492. doi: 10.1177/0733464816641391. Epub 2016 Apr 1.

Abstract

Based on the stress process model of family caregiving, this study examined subjective stress appraisals and perceived schedule control among men employed in the long-term care industry (workplace-only caregivers) who concurrently occupied unpaid family caregiving roles for children (double-duty child caregivers), older adults (double-duty elder caregivers), and both children and older adults (triple-duty caregivers). Survey responses from 123 men working in nursing home facilities in the United States were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. Results indicated that workplace-only and double- and triple-duty caregivers' appraised primary stress similarly. However, several differences emerged with respect to secondary role strains, specifically work-family conflict, emotional exhaustion, and turnover intentions. Schedule control also constituted a stress buffer for double- and triple-duty caregivers, particularly among double-duty elder caregivers. These findings contribute to the scarce literature on double- and triple-duty caregiving men and have practical implications for recruitment and retention strategies in the health care industry.

Keywords: double-duty care; men in long-term care; perceived schedule control; stress process model of family caregiving; triple-duty care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Family Characteristics
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Homes / organization & administration
  • Occupational Stress / etiology*
  • Personnel Staffing and Scheduling*
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Work-Life Balance* / organization & administration
  • Workplace / organization & administration
  • Workplace / psychology