Coping style and benefit finding among informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer: a moderated mediation model of co-caregivers and caregiving capability

Benefit finding (BF), as a positive psychological response, has the potential to alleviate caregiving stress for informal caregivers. However, the impact of coping style and caregiving capability on the perception of BF throughout the caregiving process still needs to be explored, particularly in light of the changing caregiving situation. This study aimed (1) to explore the correlation among coping style, caregiving capability, and BF; (2) to determine whether caregiving capability mediates the relationship between coping style and BF; and (3) to determine whether this mediating effect varies with the caregiving situation. A cross-sectional study was conducted. 272 participants completed the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, Family Caregiver Task Inventory, and Benefit Finding Scale. Correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression were used for data analysis; Hayes’ PROCESS macro was used to determine the significance of the moderated mediation analysis. The results showed that (1) Coping style and BF were positively correlated, while caregiving capability was negatively correlated with coping style and BF. (2) Caregiving capability partially mediated the relationship between coping styles and BF. (3) Co-caregivers moderated the direct path of the relationship between coping style and BF, showing a substitution relationship. Improving the caregiving capability may be a novel approach to enhancing BF. Nursing staff should start with a positive coping style and caregiving capability and consider the factors of caregiving situations (co-caregivers) to maximize the intervention effect.