Gender, coping, and psychological well-being in spouses of older adults with chronic dementia.

Relationships among gender, types of coping strategies, and psychological well-being were examined in 61 spousal caregivers of older adults with chronic dementia. Gender emerged as a significant correlate of well-being (with women reporting higher levels of distress), although not of related coping strategies. Implications for research into interactions among biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to women's psychological distress are discussed.