Stress and coping experiences of Black family cancer caregivers: a qualitative investigation.

purposeHigh costs and care needs impact not only individuals living with cancer but also their family caregivers. As cancer burdens disproportionately affect Black/African American populations, Black caregivers may provide more intensive care and face greater financial impacts than White caregivers, yet experiences of Black cancer caregivers are understudied. This research explored the lived experiences of stress and coping among Black caregivers of adult care recipients (CRs) with cancer.

methodsIn-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with twelve Black cancer caregivers (seven males, five females) who cared for parents (n = 4), other relatives (n = 4), romantic partners (n = 2), and friends (n = 2). A stress and coping process model of cancer caregiving guided thematic data analysis.

resultsTwo themes were identified. First, caregiving stressors (events/conditions leading to distress appraisals/coping practices) included three sub-themes: conflicts between caregiving duties with other responsibilities (e.g., employment) and personal needs (e.g., social activities), financial stress shaped by both cancer care needs and financial backgrounds of CR and caregiver, and stressors stemming from community (e.g., cancer stigma) and healthcare contexts (e.g., racism). Second, coping practices (behaviors for managing distress appraisals/stressors) included three sub-themes: self-care practices (e.g., hobbies), problem-solving (e.g., working second jobs), and support from CR and broader social network (e.g., emotional support, financial assistance).

conclusionStress and coping experiences of Black cancer caregivers varied widely and were rooted in their caregiving, economic, community, and healthcare contexts. Interventions and supportive services for cancer caregivers should consider individual needs and cultural coping patterns to advance the inclusion and support of Black caregivers.