Aims: A sense of social connectedness is increasingly recognized as influencing health outcomes, yet few studies have examined factors that contribute to perceived social connectedness among caregivers. This study aimed to explore caregivers’ perceptions of the factors that influence perceived social connection while they are caring for someone with cancer.
Methods: Twenty cancer caregivers completed the Social Connectedness Scale, and participated in semi-structured interviews, which explored their experiences receiving emotional and practical support from their social networks. Individuals were eligible if they had provided care to someone with cancer in the preceding three years, and were aged 18+. Participants were recruited through social media. Data were analysed thematically.
Results: Thematic analysis revealed six overarching themes that captured caregivers’ experiences with their social networks, social support received and perceived connectedness. Themes included: (1) the diverse nature of the people who comprise social networks and frequency of communication with these individuals, (2) the type of supportive communication received, (3) challenges experienced when interacting with others and seeking support, (4) the nature of practical (instrumental) support sought and received, (5) the impact of caregiving on friendships, and (6) factors that influence perceptions of "belongingness". Caregivers with low social connectedness scores described a lack of understanding and support from those in their social networks, as well as lack of trust, and difficulty communicating their experiences with others.
Conclusions: Qualitative findings highlight the importance of cancer caregivers receiving emotional and instrumental support from social networks to cope with, and alleviate the stress and strain of, providing care. They also highlight individual differences in the ability to seek or receive social support. Development and evaluation of interventions and strategies to improve support seeking from social networks, and consequently perceived connectedness is recommended to optimize health and wellbeing in cancer caregivers.