Predictors of stress in close relatives supporting patients with leukaemia

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to determine the psychological factors that will help reduce the level of stress in people supporting leukaemia patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 100 close relatives supporting leukaemia patients (66 women and 34 men). The study included close relatives who supported patients with the diagnosis of leukaemia. A standardized interview and the questionnaires CISS, SES, SOC-29, STAI, and the Questionnaire of Perceived Control of Life were used in the study. RESULTS: The research results show that 65% of the respondents indicate the illness of a close relative as the main source of stress. Among the respondents, the emotion-oriented style (β = 0.301, p = 0.008) and anxious personality (β = 0.560, p = 0.000) proved to be predictors of stress. Stress is counteracted by a sense of coherence (β = –0.294, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: In respect of struggling with stress by people supporting leukaemia patients, releasing accumulated tension and formulating negative emotions are the key issues. The strengthening of the sense of coherence will also be crucial.