The Communicative Ecology of Caregiver Burden and the Moderating Effects of Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

This mixed-method exploratory study examines the communicative ecology of caregiving, which includes interpersonal, clinical, and family communication realms. It also examines whether the trait of emotional intelligence is linked to caregiver burden, and whether emotional intelligence influences the relationships among communication variables and caregiver burden. Three hundred and two respondents participated in this mixed methods study. Hierarchical regressions revealed that emotional intelligence, clinical communication self-efficacy, and disclosure of patient medical information with family members decreased caregiver burden, whereas increased ownership, privacy rules, interpersonal communication competence, and negative interactions with family members increased caregiver burden. Thematic analysis of the exploratory qualitative results revealed that caregivers identify with all three of the communicative environments – interpersonal, clinical, and family – as major challenges within the scope of their caregiver responsibilities.