The impact of family functioning and expressed emotion on caregiver burden

Objectives. Expressed emotion and family functioning have been reported as negative impacts of the caregiver burden, mostly in mental disorders. There are limited data available to explain how these factors affect caregiver burden particularly for those caring for rehabilitation patients. In this study, the relationship of family functioning and expressed emotion with the caregiver burden was examined. Methods. A total of 103 caregivers with a mean age of 43.1±13.8 years were participated in the study. The caregivers' demographic data, psychiatric symptomatology, subjective burden, expressed emotion, and family functioning were assessed using structured and semi-structured scales. Results. Expressed emotion level (R2=0.361, p<0.001), family functioning (R2=0.275, p=0.003) and caregiver gender (R2=0.361, p=0.004) were determined as significant contributory factors with the subjective burden. Conclusion. Psychological intervention programs focused on both expressed emotion and communication skills in family should be developed to reduce the caregiver burden.