Reciprocity and Social Support in Caregivers' Relationships: Variations and Consequences

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Abstract
Support from family and friends is important in caregiving and has been associated with positive health of the caregiver. Reciprocity is a dimension of support that may be restricted in the relationships of caregivers. The purpose of this study was to examine whether reciprocity exists in relationships with friends and family as well as with the care recipient. Two groups of women were included: 20 mothers of premature infants and 20 women caring for older persons with cognitive impairment. Perceptions of reciprocity were explored in in-depth interactive interviews with the caregivers over 18 months. This article describes the four variations in reciprocity and the process of monitoring that were identified from content analysis: reciprocity, generalized reciprocity, waived reciprocity, and constructed reciprocity. Constructed reciprocity was used only with the care recipient. Some caregivers provided care by obligation with no reciprocity. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for research and practice.