Stress Process Model

A theoretical framework developed by Leonard Pearlin and colleagues (1981) that describes how stressors, mediators, and outcomes interact dynamically over time to shape psychological wellbeing. In caregiving research, the model is widely used to understand how primary stressors (e.g., care demands, behavioural symptoms of dementia) and secondary stressors (e.g., family conflict, financial strain) lead to outcomes such as depression and burnout, with social support, coping resources, and self-efficacy acting as mediating factors. The model informs the design of interventions — including AI-based tools — that aim to reduce caregiver burden by targeting specific stressor pathways or strengthening protective mediators.