Abstract

LIMA, Diego Costa; BANDEIRA, Marina  and  OLIVEIRA, Marcos Santos de. Factors associated to the assertiveness of family caregivers of psychiatric patients. Estud. pesqui. psicol. [online]. 2016, vol.16, n.2, pp.414-430. ISSN 1808-4281.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between sociodemographic factors and the assertiveness of family caregivers of psychiatric patients. The sample consisted of 53 family caregivers of patients attended at a Community Mental Health Center (CAPS) in a midsize city of Minas Gerais. The instruments used were the Rathus Assertiveness Scale (RAS), which evaluates a general inhibition factor and three specific factors of shyness, aggressiveness and assertiveness in assuring personal rights, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The results showed that lower educational level and living alone were predictors of higher degree of inhibition and shyness as well as lower aggressiveness and assertiveness, and having a job was a predictor of higher aggressiveness. These results point to subgroups of families who need to receive more support and guidance in order to develop the necessary relationship skills for the performance of patients' caregivers role. A better family assertiveness repertoire in dealing with patients' behavior can contribute to a lower degree of family burden and better condition for them to provide daily care to patients. Psychoeducational interventions in mental health services can develop these skills.

Keywords : associated factors; assertiveness; family caregivers; psychiatric patients.

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