Impact of Self-Reliance on Support and Psychosocial Distress in ICU Family Caregivers

Psychosocial distress is a common yet complex experience among families of ICU patients, influenced by a range of emotional, situational, and interpersonal factors. While social support is often linked to better psychological outcomes, its effectiveness may depend on personal traits such as self-reliance. This study investigates how self-reliance moderates the relationship between perceived support and psychosocial distress in this population. 312 participants were assessed on the study variables, viz., social support, self-reliance, and levels of distress. The data were analysed using the PROCESS analysis approach. The findings indicate that self-reliance significantly moderates the relationship between support and distress. Individuals with higher levels of self-reliance have been observed to be more capable of recognizing their potential in making informed choices and effectively implementing their plans. This inherent quality enables them to leverage external support more efficiently, which can significantly minimize emotional distress in times of crisis.