Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, University of
Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Candace Beitman, Assistant
Professor, School of Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E.
Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA. Tel.: +1 317 328 8324; Fax: +1 317
788 3542; E-mail: cbeitman@uindy.edu
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to measure role strain in older adult
workers who were also caregivers of frail elders according to Komarovsky's role
strain theory, and to determine whether different patterns of role strain exist
for male worker-caregivers than females. Method: Researchers developed the Job-Caregiver Role Strain Scale
Survey, which was adapted from a survey that measured role strain in working
parents and spouses. Surveys were distributed to 11 male and 34 female older
workers who were also caregivers. Results: A factor analysis was completed, which isolated four
factors of role strain. Researchers named the factors time management and
arrangements, health and competing role demands, low rewards, and reactions to
perceptions. Role strain in older adult worker-caregivers is complex and
involves multiple variables. A discriminant function analysis predicted
differences in the way older male and female worker-caregivers perceived role
strain. Use of role strain theory can assist employers and occupational
therapists in developing and maintaining work environments that support not
only the older employee's work performance, but participation in the role of
elder caregiver as well.
