The Relationship Between Social Skills and Psychosocial Adjustment Among Those who Care for Older Adults

A Relação Entre as Habilidades Sociais de Cuidadores de Idosos e seu Ajustamento Psicossocial

La Relación entre las Habilidades Sociales de Cuidadores de Ancianos y su Ajuste Psicosocial

Abstract

Many caregivers of older adults report distressing interpersonal difficulties. Training in social skills could be a valid strategy for helping these people. In this study, evidence was examined concerning the relationship between the social skills repertoire of caregivers of older adults and indicators of their psychosocial adjustment. Based on a literature review in seven databases, using search terms in Portuguese, English and Spanish, 11 articles on this relationship were found, published by November, 2016. It was observed that: (1) the study of social skills in caregivers of older adults is recent; (2) caregivers who used social skills more often felt less burdened; and (3) social skills can strengthen the interpersonal relationships of caregivers, contributing to better psychosocial adjustment. Thus, it may be useful to develop and evaluate programs to promote the use of social skills in this context, to verify the impacts of improved social skills on caregivers’ well-being.

Keywords:
caregivers; aging; assertiveness; quality of life; stress