Core-Self Evaluations and Psychological Health among Caregivers of Psychiatric Patients in Southwestern Nigeria
Dr. Gboyega E. Abikoye, Adeniyi A. Sholarin

Abstract
There is ample research evidence supporting the view that although caring for the mentally- ill can compromise the psychological health of family caregivers, there are significant individual differences. Empirical research is, however, scanty on the issue, especially in Nigeria. This cross-sectional study investigated the psychological health of 127 conveniently  family caregivers and 114 controls (non- caregivers) conveniently from Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of widely used measures of personality (core self-evaluations scale), psychological health (General Health Questionnaire) and a section for demographic variables. Results indicated that caregivers reported significantly poorer psychological health than control participants {t (2,239) = -5.05; p <.01}. Female caregivers and relatively older ones reported significantly better on psychological health compared to females and older ones. Furthermore, marital status, educational qualification and employment status had differential influence on psychological health between the two samples. These findings were discussed and the need for more empirical research on the issue as well as the need to consider these caregivers as clients in need of psychological intervention highlighted.

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