Predicting psychological well-being in paid carers

Abstract

Psychological well-being (PWB) refers to an individual’s subjective appraisal of self-worth, interpersonal relationships, environmental mastery and purpose in life. As such, PWB is associated with positive mental functioning and quality of life. Occupation and working environments influence PWB especially, if an individual regularly cares for others. Utilising multiple regression, the current research focused on predicting PWB in two opportunity samples (Study 1, N = 39 domestic paid-carers; Study 2, N= 60 carers supporting people with intellectual disabilities) working in various settings located in Gloucestershire, UK. In Study 1, participants completed measures of PWB, emotional intelligence, emotional exhaustion, emotional dissonance, empathy and job satisfaction. Results produced a significant model; emotional dissonance and emotional intelligence were significant predictors of PWB. In Study 2, participants completed measures of PWB, emotional intelligence, emotional exhaustion, health beliefs and health support behaviours. Results produced a significant model; emotional intelligence was the only significant predictor. Together, these results suggest that emotional intelligence is important in predicting PWB in paid carers. Interventions that enhance paid carers emotional intelligence would be beneficial in supporting them in such challenging roles.