Testing an Attribution Model of Caregiving in a Latino Sample: The Roles of Familismo and the Caregiver-Care Recipient Relationship

Purpose: This study tests the parameters of Weiner's attribution model of caregiving, which describes how attributions of controllability relate to emotional reactions, which in turn influence willingness to provide support to stigmatized individuals. To date, the model has not been explored in the context of cultural variables, the caregiver-recipient relationship, or types of support. Design: The present study examined the attribution model using a Latino community sample (N = 96) that was presented with vignettes describing an individual with depression. Results: Support was found for the basic attribution model. Familismo was predictive of attributions of controllability and the basic model was predictive of emotional support, but not instrumental support. Participants were more willing to provide instrumental support to a partner, but had more positive affective reactions toward a sibling. Conclusions: The findings provide important information about contextual factors that may motivate Latino caregivers to provide support.