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Development of the benefit finding in multiple sclerosis (MS) caregiving scale: A longitudinal study of relations between benefit finding and adjustment
Author(s) -
Pakenham Kenneth I.,
Cox Stephen
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
british journal of health psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 2044-8287
pISSN - 1359-107X
DOI - 10.1348/135910707x250848
Subject(s) - psychology , multiple sclerosis , scale (ratio) , developmental psychology , longitudinal data , clinical psychology , gerontology , psychiatry , medicine , sociology , demography , geography , cartography
Benefit finding (BF) is a meaning‐making construct that has been shown to predict carer and care recipient adjustment. Purpose This longitudinal study investigated the dimensions, stability, and validity of the benefit finding in multiple sclerosis caregiving (BFiMSCare) scale. Methods Participants were 232 carers of persons with MS and their care recipients. Questionnaires were completed at Time 1 and 12 months later (Time 2). Results Factor analysis of the BFiMSCare scale revealed six psychometrically sound factors: enriched relationship; spiritual growth; family relations growth; life‐style gains; inspiration; and relationship opportunities. Results of regression analyses indicated that the Time 1 BFiMSCare factors and the total score accounted for significant amounts of variance in each of the Time 1 positive adjustment outcomes (life satisfaction, positive affect, dyadic adjustment) and in Time 2 positive affect and dyadic adjustment. The BFiMSCare total score predicted all Time 2 adjustment domains (positive affect, dyadic adjustment, care recipient adjustment ratings of carer) except life satisfaction and distress, whereas the six factors as a block predicted positive affect and life satisfaction. Conclusions Findings delineate the dimensional structure of BF in caregiving and the differential links between BF dimensions and adjustment, and have implications for the measurement of BF.