Empathy and Psychological Outcomes in Informal Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Scholars have increasingly recognized the crucial role that empathy plays as informal caregivers provide unpaid care to their older family and friends (i.e., care recipients). Yet, the existing literature exhibits substantial variability in study approaches and results, which limits the extent to which this literature can inform interventions intended to benefit informal caregivers. We sought to address this critical gap by synthesizing research that examined how caregivers' and care recipients' empathy were associated with caregivers' psychological health.

Methods

We conducted a literature search using PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), EMBASE, and Scopus databases and systematically reviewed 21 peer-reviewed stud

SUBMITTER: Huo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12125626 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature