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Racial Differences in Responses to the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire

Authors :
Kang, Eunjeong
Brannan, Ana Maria
Heflinger, Craig Anne
Source :
Journal of Child and Family Studies. Mar 2005 14(1):43-56.
Publication Year :
2005

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine differences in responses to the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire (CGSQ) between African American and White caregivers of children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Significant item- and scale-level differences were detected across groups with African Americans consistently reporting less strain. We examined whether these differences were more likely due to nonequivalent measurement than to real differences in the experience of caregiver strain. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit the data well for both racial groups, but there were some differences in structural components. Internal consistency was equivalent across the groups. In an examination of criterion validity, regression analyses showed that African American caregivers experienced a slower rate of increase in objective caregiver strain at a given increase in child internalizing problems. No other race differences were found in the regression analyses. In general, we conclude that the CGSQ can be useful for detecting caregiver strain and identifying family support needs for both White and African American caregivers. Differences across groups in reports of caregiver strain, however, call for more research on racial differences in the impact on the family of caring for a child with emotional and behavioral disorders.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1062-1024
Volume :
14
Issue :
1
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Journal of Child and Family Studies
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ937466
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-005-1112-1