Self-Compassion, Social Support, and Wellbeing in Carers of People with Neurodegenerative Motor Conditions

Brooks, Katy and Eccles, Fiona and Simpson, Jane (2024) Self-Compassion, Social Support, and Wellbeing in Carers of People with Neurodegenerative Motor Conditions. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

Section one of this thesis comprises a systematic literature review of quantitative studies assessing the predictive role of social support on the wellbeing of carers of people with Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and motor neurone disease. A systematic search was conducted on four databases: PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, then quality appraisal, 26 studies were analysed and presented using narrative synthesis. Generally, greater social support was associated with increased positive and reduced negative wellbeing. Findings were broadly consistent across conditions, suggesting a commonality to carer experiences. However, the diverse range of social support measures used presented barriers to further comparisons between studies, highlighting a need for clarity in how social support is conceptualised in future research. Section two presents an empirical study examining the roles of self-compassion and social support in the wellbeing of carers of people with Parkinson’s. Self-identified carers of people with Parkinson’s completed an online survey which collected data regarding carer demographics, care-related tasks, carer burden, self-compassion, social support, and wellbeing. Greater carer stressors (carer burden and care tasks) were associated with lower wellbeing, and higher self-compassion and social support with higher wellbeing. Self-compassion and social support were significant independent predictors of wellbeing, controlling for carer stressors and demographics. Furthermore, self-compassion was a significant moderator in the relationship between care tasks and wellbeing, and approaching significance in the relationship between carer burden and wellbeing. Social support was not a significant moderator. Findings demonstrated that self-compassion and social support play an important role in carer wellbeing, and that self-compassion functions as both a predictor of wellbeing and a protective factor against the impact of stressors. Section three presents a critical appraisal of the project, including discussion of key concepts and reflections arising from communication with carers throughout the research.