Caregiving burden and relationship satisfaction in couples: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis examines the link between caregiver burden and relationship satisfaction in romantic caregivers across 19 studies. Results show a significant negative correlation ( r = –.38), indicating that greater caregiving burden leads to lower relationship satisfaction. The effect was strongest for caregivers of partners with mental disorders, followed by cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. These findings highlight the impact of caregiving on romantic relationships and underscore the need for interventions supporting caregivers, especially those caring for partners with specific medical conditions, to prevent dissatisfaction and associated risks, such as relationship dissolution and decreased well-being and mental health for both the carer and their partner.