To the Brink of Trauma: Trauma Response in Informal Caregivers Caring for Chronic Illnesses

Abstract

While caring for a loved one, the role of the family caregiver can be highly stressful and result in many adverse outcomes, ranging from mild psychological stress to an increased risk of death. Due to the discrepancy and the inherent ambiguity within the term chronic illness, there is very little evidence that looks further into episodic care for chronic illnesses; after a stroke, cancer, trauma or episodic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. The present study aimed to understand the trauma-related stressors faced by Informal Caregivers in India who care for people with mental or physical chronic illnesses using a qualitative research design through purposive sampling. Eight participants were interviewed about their lived experiences as informal caregivers. Popular themes which arise out of thematic coding suggest the presence of healthy family communication as a protective factor for those who have had overwhelming emotional experiences throughout their caregiving period. Research findings also highlight that participants who have faced significant losses throughout their caregiving period are vulnerable to developing symptoms of trauma and stressor-related disorders in the future.