Stress, Psychological Distress, and Cognitive Coping Strategies in Caregivers of Patients With Depressive Disorders in Pakistan

Background: Caring for individuals with mental illness can be emotionally and physically demanding, often leading to high levels of stress and psychological distress among caregivers. Objective: This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between stress, psychological distress, and cognitive coping strategies in caregivers of patients with depressive disorders in Pakistan. Method: Four hundred fifty adult caregivers (above 18 years of age; M age = 37.11, SD age = 12.63), both men (60%) and women (40%), of the patients suffering from depression and related disorders, completed the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Washington University Caregiver’s Stress Scale, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and a demographic sheet. Results: Results of the Pearson product–moment correlation showed that caregiver stress is significantly associated with psychological distress and cognitive coping strategies. All the maladaptive cognitive coping strategies had a significant positive relationship with psychological distress. Findings also revealed that maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (catastrophizing and others blame) significantly mediated the relationship between caregiver stress and psychological distress. Findings of the independent sample t ‐test showed that women experienced more psychological distress and stress related to caregiving as compared to men, while men accepted the adverse situations earlier than women and used a more adaptive coping strategy (putting into perspective). Conclusion: In conclusion, caregivers of patients with mental illness face a complex and challenging journey marked by high levels of stress and psychological distress.