Caregiver Reciprocity: The effect of reciprocity, carer self-esteem and motivation on the experience of caregiver burden

Caregiver burden can be alleviated by a sense of reciprocity or balance in the give-and-take between a caregiver and care-receiver (Dwyer & Miller, 1990). This study investigated whether self-esteem and intrinsic motivation influence the relationship between reciprocity and caregiver burden. Primary caregivers (N = 56) of a patient with a disability, illness or frailty due to aging were recruited via carer organisations. Participants completed the Caregiver Burden Inventory (Novak & Guest, 1989a), the Caregiver Reciprocity Scale (Carruth, 1996) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965). Reciprocity decreased caregiver burden directly, although self-esteem did partially mediate the relationship between reciprocal warmth and emotional burden. Contrary to predictions, self-esteem and intrinsic motivation enhanced rather than diminished the impact of reciprocity on burden. Intervention strategies aimed at fostering reciprocity are suggested.