Secondary traumatic stress and informal caregivers’ life satisfaction: A moderated mediation model of positive religious coping and gender

Rosemary C. Muomah¹, Theclar O. Iyidobi¹, Sampson K. Nwonyi², JohnBosco C. Chukwuorji^3,4, Tobias C. Obi^5,*, Jaclyn I. Odinka⁶, Kennedy U. Amadi¹, Paul C. Odinka¹
1 Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
2 Department of Psychology & Sociological Studies, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
3 Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
4 Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, USA
5 Department of Psychology, Caritas University, Emene, Enugu State, Nigeria
6 School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
* Corresponding Author: Tobias C. Obi. Email: email

Journal of Psychology in Africa https://doi.org/10.32604/jpa.2026.079145

Received 15 January 2026; Accepted 21 February 2026; Published online 20 April 2026

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Abstract

Traumatic experiences are known to have impacts on well-being; however, factors that may shape or moderate these effects remain underexplored, particularly within caregiving contexts. This study investigated the association between secondary traumatic stress and life satisfaction among informal caregivers in subacute hospital care, as well as the moderating role of positive religious coping and gender in this relationship. A total of 194 informal caregivers (68 males, 126 females; aged 15–70 years, M = 31.5, SD = 8.9) of inpatients at a Nigerian orthopaedic hospital participated in the study. Data were collected using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SwLS), and the Brief Religious COPE. Results from the moderated mediation analysis revealed that secondary traumatic stress was associated with lower life satisfaction, and that positive religious coping mediated this relationship. Caregivers attending to male patients reported greater use of positive religious coping than those caring for female patients. In addition, positive religious coping predicted higher life satisfaction among female caregivers compared to their male counterparts. These findings extend Pargament’s theory of religious coping by highlighting how individuals employ religious beliefs and practices to navigate stressful life experiences. The results substantiate the need for healthcare professionals to recognize symptoms indicative of secondary trauma among informal caregivers, given its potential impact on patient care. It is important to consider gendered patterns of positive religious coping when supporting caregivers in mitigating secondary traumatic stress.