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Chronic illness impacts all members of the family particularly when the person with the illness requires caregiving assistance. Although caregiver research has focused previously on older adults, the emphasis of this literature review is on younger and middle-aged individuals in caregiver marriages. For this population, the number of roles that need to be balanced within the relationship (e.g., career person, parent, spouse) may exacerbate caregiver burden. The caregiver role makes additional demands on time and energy, which can lead to role strain. This article examines role construction for younger spouses who become caregivers, the impact on marital relationships, and counselor strategies for assisting families coping with chronic illness.
With increased technology and advances in medical treatment, more people will be living longer with chronic health conditions requiring that more care be provided in the home. Chronic illness frequently creates profound difficulties for both the diagnosed individual and other family members, resulting in increased worry, anxiety, and stress. Illnesses that typically produce debilitating effects in a younger population (e.g., multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus) can lead to additional pressures if the illness worsens and family members assume caregiving responsibilities. Although a number of studies have examined caregiving related to assisting older individuals (Faison, Faria, & Frank, 1999; Guberman & Maheu, 1999; lieberman & Fisher, 1995; Weinart & Long, 1993), relatively few have focused on younger families, particularly younger spouses who may also be balancing other life responsibilities (Aronson, 1997; Kurz & Cavanaugh, 2001; Lewis, Woods, Hough, & Bensley, 1989). Both the person with the chronic illness and spouse may need to re-adjust established roles within the family structure in addition to facing the substantial task of adapting to serious illness.
There has been much research on marriage and much research on disability, but little research that has combined these two issues (Parker, 1993). This is a crucial consideration as younger couples struggle with adaptation to chronic health conditions and the impact on their relationship. Schumacher (1995) noted that, when a spouse assumes a caregiving role, there are many changes in the patterns of relating, and often each spouse must acquire new skills and insights. The impact of the illness or disability on the relationship between spouses and marital quality may be significant. Illness...