Emotional Labor of Caregivers of Elderly Patients with Dementia and Disabilities in a Psychiatric Hospital in China

BACKGROUND Studies on the emotional labor of caregivers of elderly people with dementia and disabilities are rare. This study aimed to investigate the emotional labor of caregivers of elderly patients with dementia and disabilities in a psychiatric hospital in China and to propose measures to improve emotional labor of the caregivers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Convenience sampling was used in this study. A questionnaire survey was conducted with the caregivers from the Department of Geriatrics, Chengdu Psychiatric Hospital in May 2021. A total of 73 questionnaires were distributed, and 69 valid questionnaires were returned. Descriptive analysis was performed on the frequency and intensity of emotional labor, using minimum value, maximum value, mean, and standard deviation. An independent-sample t test and one-way analysis of variance were performed on the frequency and intensity of emotional labor between different individuals and groups. RESULTS Statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were identified in surface acting among caregivers by sex, age, educational attainment, and monthly income. A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was identified between deep acting and emotional expression by marital status. A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was identified between surface acting and deep acting by the number of elderly patients the respondent was taking care of. No statistically significant differences were identified by the form of contract and job position (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Heavy emotional labor and negative emotions widely existed among caregivers of the elderly patients with dementia and disabilities in the psychiatric hospital. More training on emotional labor shall be provided for the caregivers.