Similar to Cheffings’ (2003) research, which indicated that caregivers were negatively impacted by their caregiv- ing role, the cross tabulation analysis indicated that car- egivers had a higher rate of depression when compared to non-caregivers. The higher prevalence of depressive disorders reported by caregivers is similar to previous research findings. Schulz et al. (1995), following a meta- analysis, concluded that in almost every study, caregiv- ers reported an elevated level of depressive symptoms compared to comparison groups. One possible reason for this and similar research findings is that the chronic stressors of caregiving can lead to psychological distress and the development of psychological disorders such as depression. Genetic predisposition should also be taken into consideration as an alternative explanation for the higher rate of psychological disorders among caregivers. In essence, respondents caring for a relative with a psy- chological disorder may be more likely to suffer from a psychological disorder due to their genetic vulnerability to developing a psychological disorder rather than the specific stressors associated with caregiving.