10.1184/R1/6616850.v1
Lynn M. Martire
Lynn M.
Martire
Amy P. Lustig
Amy P.
Lustig
Richard Schulz
Richard
Schulz
Gregory Miller
Gregory
Miller
Vicki Helgeson
Vicki
Helgeson
Is it beneficial to involve a family member? A meta-analysis of psychosocial interventions for chronic illness.
Carnegie Mellon University
2004
Anxiety
Caregivers
Chronic Disease
Combined Modality Therapy
Cost of Illness
Depression
Family Relations
Family Therapy
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Survival Analysis
2004-11-01 00:00:00
Journal contribution
https://kilthub.cmu.edu/articles/journal_contribution/Is_it_beneficial_to_involve_a_family_member_A_meta-analysis_of_psychosocial_interventions_for_chronic_illness_/6616850
<p>Links between chronic illness and family relationships have led to psychosocial interventions targeted at the patient's closest family member or both patient and family member. The authors conducted a meta-analytic review of randomized studies comparing these interventions with usual medical care (k=70), focusing on patient outcomes (depression, anxiety, relationship satisfaction, disability, and mortality) and family member outcomes (depression, anxiety, relationship satisfaction, and caregiving burden). Among patients, interventions had positive effects on depression when the spouse was included and, in some cases, on mortality. Among family members, positive effects were found for caregiving burden, depression, and anxiety; these effects were strongest for nondementing illnesses and for interventions that targeted only the family member and that addressed relationship issues. Although statistically significant aggregate effects were found, they were generally small in magnitude. These findings provide guidance in developing future interventions in this area.</p>