'It takes one to help one': Effects of similar others on the well-being of caregivers

Abstract

It is commonly assumed that bringing together caregivers with other persons who have been through the caregiving experience is highly beneficial. However, research has not established the degree to which such 'experientially similar' others benefit caregivers. We analyzed data from a study of 254 individuals caring for relatives with Alzheimer' s disease or a related disorder and 2,659 members of their social networks. The presence of experientially similar individuals in the caregivers' social networks was strongly associated with lower levels of depression, especially for persons in more stressful caregiving situations. We discuss possible explanations for this effect, and suggest implications of the findings for future research and practice.