Preparedness for caregiving, self-transcendence and psychological distress levels of relatives of terminal stage cancer patients

This study was carried out in a descriptive-relational research design type to examine the preparedness of relatives terminal cancer patients for the caregiver role, the effect of psychological distress and self-transcendence levels on preparedness and the factors affecting preparedness. The sample of the study consisted of primary caregivers aged 18 years and over and 65 years and under of terminal cancer patients admitted to the oncology service of state hospital in Bursa between February 2023 and February 2024, who had no condition that prevented verbal communication (N=90). Data were collected via using The Relative and Patient Information Form, Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, Self-Transcendence Scale and Psychological Distress Scale. The data were analysed using frequency and percentage analysis, mean and standard deviation, Pearson Correlation and Linear Regression Analysis, independent groups t-test, one-way analysis of varience and post hoc analysis. The mean score of preparedness for caregiving was 23,37±5,76, the mean score of self-transcendence was 48,38±6,40, and the mean score of psychological distress was 21,59±7,76. According to theresults of the study, there was a positive moderate correlation between self-transcendence and preparedness for caregiving, and a negative weak correlation between psychological distress and self-transcendence. It was founded that 33.6% of the total change in preparedness for caregiving was explained by self-transcendence and psychological distress. Self-transcendence increases the level of preparedness for caregiving, psychological distress doesn't affect the level of preparedness for caregiving.