Table 3.

Models for understanding the experience of cancer caregivers

	The caregiver stress model (Pearlin et al40)	The theory of stress and coping (Lazarus and Folkman68)
Background and the context	SES, caregiving history, family and network composition, program availability	Personal and situational factors
The stressors	Primary stressors: 1) Objective indicators – cognitive status, problematic behaviors, IADL, dependences 2) Subjective indicators – overload, relational deprivation	Acute or chronic stressors and their appraisal (primary and secondary)
The mediators	Coping, social support	Coping (emotional-focused, problem-solving, meaning-focused)
The outcomes	Depression, anxiety, irascibility, cognitive disturbance, physical health, yielding of role	Health and well-being

Abbreviations: IADL, instrumental activities of daily living; SES, socioeconomic status.