The Relationship Between Temperament Traits, Care Burden, and Coping Levels of Caregivers of Psychotic Patients

Objective: This study was carried out to examine the relationship between temperament traits, care burden, and coping levels of caregivers of psychotic patients. Methods: The study was conducted with 160 caregivers of psychotic patients that were admitted to two public hospitals and community mental health centers affiliated to these hospitals in southeastern Turkey, and received inpatient treatment. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with caregivers. “Personal Information Form”, “Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ)”, “TEMPS-A Scale” and “Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS)” were used as data collection tools. Results: The mean total score of ZCBS of the caregivers was found to be 65.01±11.74. It was found that 26.3% (n=42) of the caregivers had depressive temperament as the dominant temperament trait, and they got the highest score from the submissive approach sub-dimension of the WCQ. A negative and statistically significant correlation was found between ZCBS total scores and the self-confident approach and optimistic approach sub-dimensions of WCQ, and a positive and statistically significant correlation was found between ZCBS total scores and depressive and anxious temperament sub-dimensions of the TEMPS-A (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was observed that the majority of caregivers had a depressive temperament, caregiving was perceived as a great burden by caregivers, and they could not use effective coping methods. The temperament traits of caregivers affect the coping method used and the perceived caregiver burden. Since the caregiver's ability to effectively cope with stress will closely affect the patient's care and well-being, knowing the temperament traits, perceived burden level, and coping strategies of the caregiver is important for intervention programs towards psychiatric nurses.