| Caregiving for a loved one can be an emotional, unexpected experience, with both positive and negative aspects. Caregiving for a loved one with cancer can be specifically demanding, and recent research suggests that caregivers experience psychological and physical issues as a result of caregiving (Deeken et al., 2003). This study measured the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on biopsychospiritual measures of quality of life (QoL) in informal caregivers of loved ones with cancer. Quality of life was measured using the Caregiver Quality of Life Cancer Scale (CQOLC). A total of 30 participants were gathered through various postings to participate in the study. The hypothesis suggested that caregivers who received PMR would have an increased perceived QoL after two weeks than they did before receiving the PMR intervention. Participants were administered a 35-question survey evaluating quality of life, the Caregiver Quality of Life -- Cancer Scale (CQOLC), which measured various aspects of quality of life. The results were all statistically significant ( p < .001 for Total 2-Total 1, p < .000 for Positive Adaptation 2-Positive Adaptation 1, p < .008 for Burden 2-Burden1) except for (Disruptiveness 2-Disruptiveness 1 p < .150 and Financial Concerns 2-Financial Concerns 1 p < .491). Most importantly, there was a significant difference in the Total CQOLC scores: T1 (M = 71.1892, SD = 22.46695) and T2 (M = 77.4933, SD = 22.55) conditions, t (29) = -3.732, p < .001. Study limitations and further implications are discussed. Overall, it is hoped that through this research and that of research to come, caregivers can come to recognize the worth and necessity of taking care of themselves despite the stress and commitment of taking care of a loved one. |
