Depression and Caregiver Burden among Family Caregivers of Middle and Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: Role of Irrational Beliefs as a Mediator

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with increasing prevalence in the Indian population. The responsibility of caring for dependent and vulnerable older adults can adversely affect the psychological and physical well-being of caregivers. This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of irrational beliefs on the relationship between caregiving burden and depression in family caregivers of older adults suffering from diabetes mellitus in India. The research employed a cross-sectional, correlational design with a non-probability snowball sampling method. Data was collected from 85 family caregivers with the use of the Zarit Burden Interview – Short, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Shortened General Attitude and Beliefs Scale. Findings revealed a significant moderate positive correlation between caregiver burden and depression (r = .421, p < .001), and between caregiver burden and irrational beliefs (r = .395, p < .001). Depression significantly predicted caregiver burden (β = .493, p < .001). However, irrational beliefs did not significantly mediate the relationship between depression and caregiver burden. The study highlights the need for targeted psychosocial interventions to reduce caregiver distress, particularly addressing depression and irrational beliefs.