Family Conflict and Disagreement Experienced by Hispanic Family Caregivers: A Thematic Analysis

2012

Yumi Shirai
[email protected]
520-621-9427

Research highlights the importance of family when Hispanic older adults are in need of care. Hispanic family caregivers (HCs) hold stronger familism beliefs than their non-Hispanic White counterparts, are less likely to use professional services, and hold off institutionalization in favor of family home care for longer periods. Despite the salient role of family in the Hispanic caregiving experience, surprisingly few research studies have investigated the possible negative aspects of family involvement from the perspective of HCs. To obtain a nuanced, emic look at family conflict/disagreement regarding care in the lives of HCs, we posed an open-ended question to 67 HCs of Mexican-descent, living in southern Arizona. The range and emotional intensity of the responses weakens the idealized view of the Hispanic family caregiving experience. Implications for research and intervention are discussed.

Hispanic, Mexican American , Caregiver, Conflict, Well-being

Conference presentations and posters presented

Consumers/Families, Professionals, Students

[email protected]

N/A