Ambivalence in family caregivers for older people: Emotion-theoretical views

TL;DRAbstract

Ambivalences in family caregivers for older people are analysed from an emotion-theoretical point of view and the benefits of this approach are delineated. The topic is confined to psychological ambivalence as an experience of the individual with a special emphasis on emotional ambivalence as co-presence of positive and negative emotions about the various aspects of adult children’s care provision. The stage for understanding mixed emotions in this context is set through a description of the multi-facetted nature of the caregiving situation: (1) Various difficulties of the older parent (e.g., diseases, problems with activities of daily living, suffering), (2) multiple tasks of the caring adult child (e.g., skilled nursing, help with daily activities, emotional support provision), and (3) several gains and losses for the older person and the caring child. The generation of positive and negative emotions is analysed from a cognitive point of view according to which emotions toward caregi

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