A model of social support for informal caregivers of patients treated for cancer

Introduction
Informal caregivers of persons with cancer are often the subject of research. The interest is caused by the recognition of their significant role and participation in the care of patients. Studies have confirmed that, when left alone, caregivers are exposed to burdens, somatic diseases, anxiety, stress, and a lack of support.

Aim of the research
The research goals were to analyse selected factors influencing the multidimensional aspect of social support for informal caregivers of patients treated for cancer in the stationary system and to develop a model of social support.

Material and methods
An original questionnaire was used for the socio-demographic assessment, and standardised questionnaires were adjusted for the issues dealt with in this project: the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (SES), the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), the Positive Orientation Scale (POS), the State Self-Compassion Scale (SSCS), the Social Pain Thermometer (SPT), and the Emotion Thermometer (ET).

Results
Personality structure expressed through extraversion (0.66), agreeableness (0.42), conscientiousness (0.41), emotional stability (0.58), openness to experience (0.30), and attitude (0.72) affect the support (0.52). The level of support received is influenced by the following personality traits: openness, positive thinking, trusting and honest attitude towards other people, perseverance in pursuing goals, internal conviction about the rightness of actions, emotional stability and maturity, openness to life experiences, the ability to positively reevaluate difficult and realistic situations, and adequate self-assessment of one’s abilities and resourcefulness.

Conclusions
The research results are used in evidence-based medical practice, which significantly improves the quality of nursing and medical care for patients and their relatives.