Question

Eric studies stress among family members who care for individuals with dementia. He has recently undertaken a study examining the impact of unemployment on caregivers. He recognizes that their stress levels are likely to increase and worries that many of the participants in his research already had such high levels of stress that he will simply be unable to detect increases associated with unemployment. What is Eric concerned about?

Answer 1

Eric is worried about a ceiling effect in his stress study of caregivers, where current high stress levels among caregivers might obscure any additional stress due to unemployment, making it hard to detect variations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Eric is concerned about baseline elevation in stress levels of caregivers who look after individuals with dementia. In his study regarding the impact of unemployment on these caregivers, he fears that the existing high stress levels may mask any additional stress caused by unemployment, making it difficult to detect any further increases. This is referred to as a ceiling effect, where measurements of the variable in question are already at or near the maximum level, hence further changes cannot be accurately recorded or observed.

Surveys like those by Cohen & Janicki-Deverts have shown that stress is higher among unemployed individuals, which correlates with difficulties such as financial strain, changes in self-worth, and impacts on mental and physical health. Additionally, caregiving can increase stress, isolation, and lack of support, leading to potential issues like caregiver abuse. Therefore, unemployment adding to the already substantial stress of caregiving could be significant, yet difficult to quantify if the caregivers' stress levels are already nearing a maximum.