Can self-efficacy ameliorate interrole conflict among employed family caregivers? A moderated mediation approach.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the moderation effect of different dimensions of self-efficacy on the way in which various types of interrole conflict mediate between caregiving demands and the mental health of employed family caregivers. METHOD: Using a moderated mediation approach, we examined the moderation effect of self-efficacy on interrole conflict's mediation between caregiving demands and mental health (psychological strain and quality of life) in a sample of Japanese employed family caregivers who regularly provide care at home (263 males aged 53.14 ± 8.28 years and 116 females aged 47.92 ± 9.77 years). RESULTS: Increased self-efficacy in managing dementia and in self-care were correlated with lower caregiving demands and better mental health among family caregivers. Self-efficacy in managing dementia was also positively correlated with increased interrole conflict. Increased caregiving demands were related to higher psychological strain in those with higher (+1SD), but not lower (-SD) self-efficacy in managing dementia. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy does not play a protective role in managing the effect of caregiving demands on interrole conflict. It also does not appear to protect against any indirect effects of caregiving demands on the mental health of employed family caregivers.