Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

“It’S A Very Tricky Communication Situation": A Comprehensive Investigation Of End-Of-Life Family Caregiver Communication Burden, Sara Lynn Shaunfield

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Family caregivers encounter immense negative consequences including decreased quality of life and increased rates of morbidity and mortality that stem from physical burdens, emotional distress, depression, social isolation, and loss of financial security. Although communication is an important aspect of caregiving, communication tasks are reportedly difficult for end-of-life family caregivers. The goal of this study was to explore the variety of communication stressors experienced by end-of-life family caregivers to gain insight into the communication tasks caregivers perceive as most difficult and the reasons why.

Qualitative data was achieved through in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 40 caregivers currently providing care for a …