Gender Differences in Coping Strategies of Spousal Dementia Caregivers

Abstract A sample of 63 spousal dementia caregivers was obtained through the Orange and Los Angeles Caregivers Resource Centers (CRC). Subjects completed the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Coping Strategy Indicator. Results indicated significant gender differences in regard to both depression and coping strategies. Women were significantly more depressed than men. Female caregivers sought more social support and employed more avoidance strategies than did males. Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation found between social support and depression, and a significant positive correlation between avoidance strategies and depression. Implications include increasing the level of social support and reducing the level of avoidance strategies used among caregivers in an effort to improve their quality of life.