Presentation of Research Findings

Most of the research participants believed their caregiving responsibilities adversely affected their subjective wellbeing. Some of the research participants believed their caregiving responsibilities had a positive psychological effect on their subjective wellbeing. Meanwhile, a significant number of research participants believed they were innately capable of handling their caregiving responsibilities. Research participants had the perception that their spiritual beliefs were positively influential to their caregiver roles and their subjective wellbeing. Research participants seemed to rely on their spiritual convictions as the lynchpin in sustaining themselves in their roles as informal caregivers as it related to their subjective wellbeing. The variable family support was a significant factor. Similarly, the vast majority of research participants believed their resilience allowed them to be optimistic about their performance as caregivers. A significant number of the research participants believed they had limited time for leisure activities but felt this did not negatively affect their performance as informal caregivers.

Methodological and Conceptual Approach

This chapter presents the methodological and conceptual approach, which informed the research design for the study. It is pertinent to reiterate here that the design of this study sought to discern the positive psychological forces that shape subjective wellbeing of informal caregivers. This desire prompted the adoption of a mixed methods research. The rationale for this methodological preference is presented. In addition, advantages of mixed methods approach are elaborated upon. Furthermore, other issues are addressed, including sample size, instrumentation, and research procedures. This chapter also explains, with much detail, the parameters and boundary conditions that constituted the guiding assumptions, limitations, as well as delimitations of the study. It should be noted that the chapter also explains the essential approach to data analysis.

Personal Reflection

This chapter encompasses a reflective autobiographic account of the principal investigator, Dr. Ware, that plumbs the depths of what it means to be an informal caregiver for a family member or loved one. The chapter traces her steps as a caregiver for her late mother and the joys of personal fulfillment (positive sense of social wellbeing) and occasional travails associated with an individual stepping in this role. The author uses the independent variables in the study (subjective wellbeing, self-efficacy, spirituality, social support, resilience, and leisure participation) as lenses to discuss a reflective account of her idiosyncratic experiences in the context of her own family.

Discussion and Policy Recommendations

This chapter encapsulates discussion of research findings and their relevant policy conclusions and recommendations. Thus, it is suggested that there was no statistically significant relationship between the age of respondents and their subjective wellbeing. This finding contradicts the results of an early study conducted by Fluegel. Results of the current study also revealed there was no statistically significant relationship between gender and the subjective wellbeing of respondents. Similarly, the results also demonstrate there was no statistically significant relationship between gross income and the subjective wellbeing of respondents. It is suggested that these results coincide with a study conducted by Gaynor. Results of the other independent variables are also discussed in this chapter. These include self-efficacy, social support, resilience, spirituality, and leisure participation. These results are compared and contrasted from the qualitative results in identifying meaningful patterns, similarities, and variances.

Research on Subjective Wellbeing

This chapter posits that based on a careful review of extant literature, the quest to identify the factors that assist caregivers in sustaining or elevating their subjective wellbeing while providing comfort and support to care recipients is critical. In this sense, discussion in this chapter provides a rationale for the design and focus of research reported in this book, which focuses on the positive factors that elevate subjective wellbeing of informal caregivers. Thus, this chapter explores various research findings and theoretical discussion on associations between subjective wellbeing and fundamental characteristics of mental and psychical wellness of those providing care on an informal basis. These include the accentuation of self-efficacy and spirituality. It also includes the extent to which an informal caregiver receives support from others to enhance a sense of belonging to community. In addition, it further includes personal resilience of the caregiver as well as opportunities to participate in leisure activities and community involvement.