Brooke C. Feeney

Abstract Objectives We examined the extent to which positive affect expression in play interactions between adult children and their parents living with cognitive impairment was associated with lower depressive symptoms and mental health difficulties for both dyad members. Gender differences in positive affect expression were also examined. Method Dyads (N = 126) self-reported their depressive symptoms and mental health difficulties.

1 INTRODUCTION Social touch (i.e., touch that occurs in a social context) is an important aspect of everyday life. It is an effective form of nonverbal communication, it provides warmth and intimacy, and it can promote relaxation and reduce pain (Field, 2019). Social touch occurs in relation to a variety of social contacts, including romantic partners, children, parents, friends, pets, teammates, and patients.

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of general characteristics, fatigue, depression, self-efficacy, job stress and interpersonal relationships on the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers in nursing hospitals and use them as basic data for intervention programs to improve the quality of life of caregivers. Methods: The participants in the study were 137 caregivers, aged 52–76, who were actively working in nursing hospitals.