Skip to main content
Log in

Adding elder care to women's multiple roles: A critical review of the caregiver stress and multiple roles literatures

  • Published:
Sex Roles Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Research on the effect of multiple roles on women's well-being has focused almost exclusively on the employment and child rearing roles of younger women, and has overlooked the roles of middle-aged women, such as continued employment and the elder care role. The stress of the elder care role has been extensively studied in the gerontological field, but rarely in the broader context of women's multiple roles and overall well-being. This review attempts to integrate these two bodies of research for the purpose of framing a research agenda that can adequately address the effect of multiple roles on the psychological well-being of employed women throughout their working years.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adelmann, P. K. (1993). Psychological well-being and homemaker vs. retiree identity among older women.Sex Roles, 29 195–212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anthony-Bergstone, C. R., Zarit, S. H., & Gatz, M. (1988). Symptoms of psychological distress among caregivers of dementia patients.Psychology and Aging, 3 245–248.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Abel, E. K. (1989). Family care of the frail elderly: framing an agenda for change.Women's Studies Quarterly, 1&2 75–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Archbold, P. G. (1983). Impact of parent-caring on women.Family Relations, 32 39–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barer, B. M., & Johnson, C. L. (1990). A critique of the caregiving literature.Gerontologist, 30 26–29.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, R. C., & Baruch, G. K. (1987). Social roles, gender, and psychological distress. In R. C. Barnett, L. Biener, & G. K. Baruch (Eds.),Gender and stress. New York: The Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, R. C., & Baruch, G. K. (1985). Women's involvement in multiple roles and psychological distress.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 49 135–145.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, R. C., & Marshall, N. (1989).Multiple roles, spillover effects and psychological distress. Working Paper No. 200, Wellesley College Center for Research on Women, Wellesley, MA 02181.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baruch, G. K., & Barnett, R. C. (1983).Lifeprints: New patterns of love and work. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Branch, L. G., & Jette, A. M. (1983). Elders' use of informal long-term care assistance.Gerontologist, 23 51–56.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brody, E. M. (1981). “Women in the middle” and family help to older people.Gerontologist, 21 471–481.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brody, E. M., & Schoonover, C. B. (1986). Patterns of parent-care when adult daughters work and when they do not.Gerontologist, 26 372–381.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, G. W., & Harris, T. (1978).The social origins of depression: A study of psychiatric disorder in women. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bureau of the Census. (1990). Projections of the population of the United States by age, sex and race: 1988–2080.Current Population Reports, #1018. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cantor, M. (1983). Strain among caregivers: A study of experience in the United States.Gerontologist, 23 597–604.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chenoweth, B., & Spencer, B. (1986). Dementia: The experience of family caregivers.Gerontologist, 26 267–272.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cicirelli, V. G. (1981).Helping elderly parents: The role of adult children. Boston: Auburn House.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crosby, F. J. (1991).Juggling: The unexpected advantages of balancing career and home for women and their families. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, D., Hendershot, G., & Fulton, J. (1987, June 10). Aging in the eighties: Functional limitations of individuals age 65 and over.Advance Data, 133, National Center for Health Statistics.

  • Diemling, G. T., & Bass, D. M. (1986). Symptoms of mental impairment among elderly adults and their effects on family caregivers.Journal of Gerontology, 41 778–784.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Doress-Worters, P. B. (1992).The effect of caregiving role configuration on the psychological well-being of employed middle-aged women. Dissertation, Psychology Department, Boston College.

  • Finley, N. J. (1989, February). Theories of family labor as applied to gender differences in caregiving for elderly parents,Journal of Marriage and the Family, 79–86.

  • Franks, M. M., & Stephens, M. A. P. (1992). Multiple roles of middle-generation caregivers: Contextual effects and psychological mechanisms.Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 47 S123–129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Froberg, D., Gjerdingen, D., & Preston, M. (1986). Multiple roles and women's mental and physical health: what have we learned?Women and Health, 11 79–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • George, L. K., & Gwyther, L. P. (1986). Caregiver well-being: A multidimensional examination of family caregivers of demented adults.Gerontologist, 26 253–259.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gibeau, J. L. (1986).Breadwinners and caregivers: Working patterns of women working full-time and caring for dependent elderly family members. Dissertation, Heller School, Brandeis University.

  • Gibson, R. C. (1982). Blacks at middle and late life: resources and coping.Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 464 79–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilhooly, M. L. M. (1984). The impact of caregiving on caregivers: Factors associated with the psychological well-being of people supporting a demented relative in the community.British Journal of Medical Psychology, 57 35–44.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Glasse, L. (1991). Statement before the Senate Special Committee on Aging, August 2. Washington, DC: Older Women's League.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goode, W. J. (1960). A theory of role strain.American Sociological Review, 25 483–496.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gore, S., & Mangione, T. W. (1983). Social roles, sex roles and psychological distress: Additive and interactive models of sex differences.Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24 300–312.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gove, W. R. (1984). Gender differences in mental health and physical illness: The effects of fixed roles and nurturant roles.Social Science and Medicine, 19 77–84.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gove, W. R., & Geerken, M. R. (1977). The effect of children and employment on the mental health of married men and women.Social Forces, 56 66–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gubrium, J., & Lynott, R. J. (1987). Measurement and the interpretation of burden in the Alzheimer's Disease experience.Journal of Aging Studies, 1 265–286.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hochschild, A. (1989).The second shift: Working parents and the revolution at home. New York: Viking.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horowitz, A. (1985). Sons and daughters as caregivers to older parents: Differences in role performance and consequences.Gerontologist, 25 612–617.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, C. L. (1983). Dyadic family relations and social support.Gerontologist, 23 377–383.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kandel, D. B., Davies, M., & Raveis, V. H. (1985). The stressfulness of daily social roles for women: Marital, occupational and household roles.Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 26 64–78.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaye, L. W., & Applegate, J. S. (1990). Men as elder caregivers: A response to changing families.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 60 86–95.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kessler, R. C., & McLeod, J. D. (1984). Sex differences in vulnerability to undesirable life events.American Sociological Review, 49 620–631.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kessler, R. C., & McRae, J. A., Jr. (1981). Trends in the relationships between sex and psychological distress: 1957–1976.American Sociological Review, 46 443–452.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lang, A. M., & Brody, E. M. (1983, February). Characteristics of middle-aged daughters and help to their elderly mothers.Journal of Marriage and the Family, 193–202.

  • Long, J., & Porter, K. L. (1984). Multiple roles of midlife women: A case for new directions in theory, research and policy. In G. K. Baruch & J. Brooks-Gunn (Eds.),Women in midlife. New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mancini, J. A., & Bliezner, R. (1989). Aging parents and adult children: research themes in intergenerational relations.Journal of Marriage and the Family, 51 275–290.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manton, K. G., Corder, L. S., & Stallard, E. (1993). Estimates of change in chronic disability and institutional incidence and prevalence rates in the U.S. elderly population from the 1982, 1984, and 1989 National Long-Term Care Survey.Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 48 S153–166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marks, S. R. (1977). Multiple roles and role strain: Some notes on human energy, time and commitment.American Sociological Review, 42 921–936.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, N. L., Barnett, R. C., Baruch, G. K., & Pleck, J. H. (1990). Double jeopardy: The costs of caring at work and at home. In E. K. Able & M. K. Nelson (Eds.),Circles of care: Work and identity in women's lives. Albany: State University of New York Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKinlay, J. B., McKinlay, S. M., & Brambilla, D. (1987). The relative contributions of endocrine changes and social circumstances to depression in middle-aged women.Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 28 345–363.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McLanahan, S. S., & Adams, J. (1987). Parenthood and psychological well-being.Annual Review of Sociology, 13 237–257.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menaghan, E. G. (1989). Role changes and psychological well-being: Variations in effects by gender and role repertoire.Social Forces, 67 693–714, March.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, J. B. (1976).Toward a new psychology of women. Boston: Beacon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moen, P., Dempster-McClain, D., & Williams, R. M., Jr. (1989). Social integration and longevity: an event history analysis of women's roles and resilience.American Sociological Review, 54 635–647.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moen, P., Robison, J., & Fields, V. (1994). Women's work and caregiving role: A life course approach.Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 49 S176-S186.

    Google Scholar 

  • Montgomery, R. J. V., Gonyea, J. J., & Hooyman, N. R. (1985). Caregiving and the experience of subjective and objective burden.Family Relations, 34 19–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Motenko, A. K. (1988). Respite care and pride in caregiving: The experience of six older men caring for their disabled wives. In Shulamit Reinharz and Graham D. Rowles (Eds.),Qualitative Gerontology. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Motenko, A. K. (1989). The frustrations, gratifications and well-being of dementia caregivers,Gerontologist, 29 166–172.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Novak, M., & Guest, C. (1989). Caregiver response to Alzheimer's Disease.International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 28 67–79.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Older Women's League. (1989).Failing America's caregivers: A status report on women who care. Mother's Day Report.

  • Parsons, T., & Bales, R. F. (1955).Family socialization and interaction process. Glencoe, IL: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pietremonaco, P., Manis, J., & Frohardt-Lane, K. (1986). Psychological consequences of multiple social roles.Psychology of Women Quarterly, 10 373–381.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poulshock, S. W., & Deimling, G. T. (1984). Families caring for elders in residence: Issues in the measurement of burden.Journal of Gerontology, 39 239–239.

    Google Scholar 

  • Radloff, L. (1975). Sex differences in depression: The effects of occupation and martial status.Sex Roles, 1 249–265.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, B. C. (1983). Validation of a caregiver strain index.Journal of Gerontology, 38 344–348.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, B., & Thurnher, M. (1979). Taking care of parents: A family cycle transition.Gerontologist, 19 586–593.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Romeis, J. C. (1989). Caregiver strain.Journal of Aging and Health, 1 188–208.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schulz, R., Visintainer, P., & Williamson, G. M. (1990). Psychiatric and physical morbidity effects of caregiving.Psychological Sciences, 45 P181–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schulz, R., & Williamson, G. M. (1991). A 2-year longitudinal study of depression among Alzheimer's caregivers.Psychology and Aging, 6 569–578.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shanas, E. (1979). Social myth as hypothesis: The case of the family relations of old people.Gerontologist, 19 3–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sieber, Sam D. (1974). Toward a theory of role accumulation.American Sociological Review, 39 567–578.

    Google Scholar 

  • Silliman, R. A., Earp, J. L., Fletcher, R. H., & Wagner, E. H. (1988). Stroke: The perspective of family caregivers.The Journal of Applied Gerontology, 6 363–371.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spitze, G., Logan, J. R., Joseph, G., & Lee, E. (1994). Middle generation roles and the well-being of men and women.Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 49 S107-S116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spreitzer, E., Snyder, E. E., & Larson, D. L. (1979). Multiple roles and psychological well-being.Sociological Focus, 12 141–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stack, C. B. (1974).All our kin: Strategies for survival in a black community. New York: Harper & Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steuve, A., & O'Donnell, L. (1984). The daughter of aging parents. In G. K. Baruch & J. Brooks-Gunn (Eds.),Women in midlife. New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoller, E. P. (1983, November). Parental caregiving by adult children,Journal of Marriage and the Family, 851–858.

  • Stoller, E. P., & Earl, L. L. (1983). Help with activities of everyday life: sources of support for the noninstitutionalized elderly.Gerontologist, 23 64–70.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stoller, E. P., & Pugliesi, K. L. (1989). Other roles of caregivers: Competing responsibilities or supportive resources.Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 44 S231–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stommel, M., Given, C. W., & Given, B. (1990). Depression as an overriding variable explaining caregiver burdens.Journal of Health and Aging, 2 81–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stone, R., Cafferata, G. L., & Sangl, J. (1987). Caregivers of the frail elderly: A national profile.The Gerontologist, 27 616–626.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Taeuber, C. M., & Allen, J. (1993). Women in our aging society: The demographic outlook. In J. Allen & A. Pifer (Eds.),Women on the front lines: Meeting the challenge of an aging America. Washington, DC: The Urban Institute Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tennstedt, S., Cafferata, G. L., & Sullivan, L. (1992). Depression among caregivers of impaired elders.Journal of Aging and Health, 4 Feb., 58–76.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thoits, P. A. (1986). Multiple identities: Examining gender and marital status differences in distress.American Sociological Review, 51 259–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thoits, P. A. (1987). Negotiating roles. In F. J. Crosby (Ed.),Spouse, parent, worker: On gender and multiple roles. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thoits, P. A. (1983). Multiple identities and psychological well-being: A reformulation and test of the social isolation hypothesis.American Sociological Review, 48 174–187.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Troll, L. E., Miller, S. J., and Atchley, R. C. (1979).Families in later life. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Veroff, J., Douvan, E., & Kulka, R. A. (1981).The inner American: A self-portrait from 1957 to 1976. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zarit, S. H., Reever, K. E., & Bach-Peterson, J. (1980). Relatives of the impaired elderly: Correlates of feelings of burden.Gerontologist, 20 649–655.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Doress-Worters, P.B. Adding elder care to women's multiple roles: A critical review of the caregiver stress and multiple roles literatures. Sex Roles 31, 597–616 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01544282

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01544282

Keywords

Navigation