This research evaluated the family caregivers' burden regarding the care of psychiatric patients and its relation to social skills and assertiveness. The sample was composed of 53 family caregivers of patients who were treated in a community mental health service (CAPS type I). They were interviewed with the application of the Burden Scale BI, the Social Skills Inventory IHS-Del-Prette, the Assertiveness Scale RAS, and a Sociodemographic and Clinical Questionnaire. Results showed that family caregivers presenting higher degree of inhibition and shyness (RAS) had significantly higher burden scores. Multiple regression analysis showed that shyness was the main predictive factor for burden. No relation was found between burden and IHS-Del-Prette scores. Data indicated the need to implement psychoeducational programs in mental health services in order to increase caregivers' assertive behavior, so that they could develop a better relationship with patients and a more efficient search for social support, contributing to decrease burden.
Caregivers; Patients; Interpersonal competence; Assertiveness; Psychiatric services
