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Coping strategies and social support as predictors and mediators of eating disorder carer burden and psychological distress

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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Caring for someone with an eating disorder is associated with a high level of burden and psychological distress. While models for the prediction of carer burden have previously been investigated, these have typically neglected the role of coping strategies and social support. Thus, the current study will examine predictors of both carer burden and carer psychological distress in eating disorder carers. Further, the mediating roles of coping strategies and social support will be investigated.

Methods

Fifty-six carers completed a self-report questionnaire assessing burden, psychological distress, needs, expressed emotion, coping strategies and social support.

Results

Use of maladaptive coping strategies was a unique predictor of both burden and psychological distress. Further, maladaptive coping was a consistent mediator on the outcome of carer burden. Social support, however, did not significantly predict, or mediate, carer burden.

Conclusions

Interventions focusing on teaching appropriate coping strategies would benefit carers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia

    Kerri Coomber

  2. Deakin University, Geelong, Australia

    Ross M. King

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  1. Kerri Coomber
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  2. Ross M. King
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Correspondence to Kerri Coomber.

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Coomber, K., King, R.M. Coping strategies and social support as predictors and mediators of eating disorder carer burden and psychological distress. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 47, 789–796 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-011-0384-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-011-0384-6

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