It has been estimated that nearly 50 million people in the United States are acknowledged caregivers and that as many as one in four individuals will be involved in caregiving duties at some point in their adult lives. Given the often cited “Graying of America” phenomenon, the number of caregivers will likely increase during the
This article explores the concept of Tend-and-Befriend within caregiving contexts, examining its theoretical foundations, applications in health psychology, and implications for both caregivers and recipients. Beginning with an introduction to the theory’s origins and historical evolution, the article navigates through the theoretical framework, discussing its relevance to health psychology and addressing critiques and controversies. Subsequently