The Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Growth and Care Burden in Caregivers of Home Based Palliative Care Patients After Palliative Care

AYLAZ R., Kara F.

Omega (United States), 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/00302228251415206
  • Journal Name: Omega (United States)
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, CINAHL, Education Abstracts, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Psycinfo, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, Social Sciences Abstracts
  • Keywords: care, caregiver burden, caregivers, home palliative care, post-traumatic growth
  • Inonu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study conceptually contributes to the literature by exploring how post-traumatic growth (PTG) may function as a protective psychological mechanism that mitigates caregiving burden in home-based palliative care contexts. This descriptive study included 175 home healthcare patients and their caregivers. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Data Form, the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory. A significant negative correlation was found between PTG and caregiver burden (r = −0.342, p = .01). Beyond the statistical association, these findings suggest that caregivers who interpret their caregiving experience through a lens of personal development, meaning-making, or strengthened relational perspectives may perceive caregiving demands as more manageable. Thus, PTG appears to operate as a resilience-enhancing process that reduces the subjective strain of caregiving. Strengthening psychosocial support particularly for women caregivers may therefore foster PTG and ultimately lessen caregiver burden while improving the overall quality of home-based palliative care.