The impact of psychiatric disorders on caregivers: An integrative predictive model of burden, stigma, and well‐being

PURPOSE: The study investigates the predictors of caregivers' experienced burden, stigma, and well‐being, when looking after family members diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross‐sectional study included 168 caregivers; perceived burden, stigma, well‐being, knowledge, illness perception, and medical variables were assessed. FINDINGS: A number of correlates of burden, stigma, and well‐being have been identified and are being discussed. The integrative predictive model showed that the caregiver's emotional representation of illness best predicts burden (β = 0.38, p < 0.001), stigma (β = 0.53, p < 0.001) and well‐being (β = −0.36, p < 0.001). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Our results can enable health professionals to tailor psychosocial interventions addressed to family members of individuals living with a psychiatric condition.