The effects of resiliency on adaptation of African-American caregivers of chronically ill elderly

The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to determine relationships among family demands, established patterns of functioning, family resources, situational appraisal, family problem solving and coping skills and adaptation of African American caregivers of chronically ill elderly. Secondly, this study was designed to determine the validity of the Adaptation Phase of the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, Adaptation and the Relational Processes of Balance and Harmony (McCubbin & McCubbin, 1996) in African American caregivers who manage chronically ill elderly.; A convenience sample of 104 subjects completed a demographic questionnaire. Caregiver resiliency was measured using The Family Index of Regenerativity and Adaptation-General (FIRA-G).; Direct and indirect paths were assessed between the variables. LISREL version (8) was used to determine model fit.; Testing of the Resiliency Model revealed several significant paths (p < .05). Family functioning directly affected family resources and family resources directly affected problem solving and coping. Other relationships include the following: family functioning on adaptation via family resources.; The findings acknowledge the relationship of the hypothesized variables in the African American family structure which influence their reasons for caregiving. The Resiliency Model, however, needs testing in the African American population for further refinement.