Type- D Personality and Burden among the Caregivers of Neurological Patients

Care giving itself is a self rewarding task; however it is often associated with physical, emotional, social, financial burden (Chadda, 2014) especially in cases of chronic or terminal illness. But not much of the studies have focused on the internal triggers like negative affectivity and social inhibition characterized by Type D Personality to assess burden among the caregivers. This cross sectional study examines the correlation between Type-D personality and the burden experienced by the caregivers of neurological patients.110 primary caregivers were assessed using DS14 and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) whose family members were suffering from neurological illness at least for past 3 months. Data analysis showed a high amount of burden experienced by primary caregivers of neurological illness of  Type D personality in males as well females (p< 0.01) and further statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between burden  experienced and presence of Social Inhibition and Negative affectivity among males as well female primary caregivers of neurological patients (p< 0.05). But no significant difference was found between male and female caregiver burden and male female caregivers with Type D personality (p<0.05). Therefore it is important to develop screening, assessment and intervention strategies for Type D personality individuals especially for primary caregivers, healthcare professionals, employees in organizations to protect them against burnout or developing any chronic illness.