Resilience and Daily Mental Health in Hispanic and Latino Dementia Caregivers: A Daily Diary Study

TL;DR

This study explores how daily stress and resilience affect mental health in Hispanic and Latino dementia caregivers.

Contribution

The study identifies planned future resilience as a key factor in reducing depression and anxiety among caregivers.

Findings

Higher daily caregiving stress increases depression and anxiety odds by 7% and 9%, respectively.

Planned future resilience reduces depression and anxiety odds by 25% and 21%, respectively.

High resilience can significantly lower mental health risks even under high stress.

Abstract

Hispanic and Latino (H&L) family dementia caregivers experience high levels of stress, increasing their risk for depression and anxiety. However, caregiver resilience may mitigate these risks. We examined associations between daily caregiving stress, psychological distress, and resilience using data from the Nuestros Dias (Our Days) Study. Participants (N = 155; 2,679 daily observations) completed daily diary surveys for 21 days, reporting on caregiving stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory–Questionnaire distress ratings and the PROMIS Short Form Depression and Anxiety measures adapted for daily diaries. Resilience factors (perception of self, planned future, and structured style) were measured at baseline using the Resilience Scale for Adults. Data were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models. On days when caregivers reported higher-than-average caregiving stress, daily odds increased by 7% for depression (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05–1.09, p < .001) and 9% for anxiety (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06–1.11, p < .001). For each one-point increase in planned future resilience, daily odds decreased by 25% for depression (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.69–0.83, p < .001) and 21% for anxiety (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72–0.86, p < .001). Combined effects were examined using mean predicted probabilities based on dichotomized stress and resilience levels. Low resilience/high stress probabilities were 43% and 59% for depression and anxiety, respectively. For high-resilience/high-stress caregivers, probabilities were 14% and 28%, respectively. Findings highlight the need for culturally responsive interventions that foster planned future resilience to enhance H&L caregiver well-being.