Individual Abstract within a Delegate Designed Symposium 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

 Hardiness in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being and Caregiving Satisfaction Among Informal Caregivers of Cancer Patients (125947)

Rachel RK Kansiime 1
  1. Joint clinical research centre/Mulago National specialised Hospital, KAMPALA, UGANDA, Uganda

Background

There is a critical need to explore the role of hardiness as a precursor to psychological well-being and caregiving satisfaction among informal caregivers of cancer patients. These caregivers often face significant emotional and physical stress due to caregiving demands, leading to decreased psychological well-being and an increased risk of burnout (Schulz & Eden, 2016). Hardiness, defined as the ability to withstand stress through commitment, control, and challenge, has been shown to enhance psychological resilience and coping strategies in high-stress environments (Kobasa, 1979).

Objectives

This research aims to investigate the relationship between hardiness and caregiving satisfaction among informal caregivers, emphasizing the importance of fostering hardiness to improve psychological well-being and caregiving outcomes.

Method

The research indicates that caregivers exhibiting higher levels of hardiness report greater satisfaction in their caregiving roles and improved overall mental health (Gomez & McAuley, 2015; Kansiime R et al., 2022). The study proposes targeted interventions, such as hardiness therapy and support programs, to enhance caregivers' psychological well-being.

Results

Findings suggest that fostering hardiness can significantly improve informal caregivers' psychological resilience and satisfaction, thereby enhancing their capacity to provide care effectively (Hodges et al., 2010,Kansiime et al 2022).

Conclusion

Integrating hardiness assessment and development into caregiver support frameworks is essential for promoting the psychological well-being of informal caregivers and, consequently, improving patient outcomes in cancer care. This symposium will highlight these vital connections and advocate for tailored interventions

  1. • Gomez, M. E., & McAuley, E. (2015). Hardiness and well-being among caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 80(2), 144-162. doi:10.1177/0091415014566264 • Hodges, L. J., & Humphris, G. M. (2010). The impact of cancer on the family: A critical review. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(6), 688-703. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.002
  2. • Kobasa, S. C. (1979). Stressful life events, personality, and health: An inquiry into hardiness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 37(1), 1-11. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.37.1.1 • Schulz, R., & Eden, J. (2016). Family caregiving in the new normal. In R. Schulz & J. Eden (Eds.), Family caregiving: A resource for the health care professional (pp. 1-12). Institute of Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK379392/