Aging has become a political and social challenge, and in this context emerges the correct determination of caregiver burden. This work aimed to identify and analyze the defining characteristics and related factors, through integrative literature review, nursing diagnosis "stress in the role of caregiver", published in years 2005-2011. Six steps were followed: formulation of the research question; literature search process; categorization; assessment of studies; interpretation of results and synthesis of knowledge. LILACS and MEDLINE databases were searched, and of 66 publications identified, only four dealt directly with the diagnosis. We found 24 defining characteristics of the existing 34 and 17 of the 58 factors referenced. The stress of the caregiver was related to physical, emotional and socioeconomic aspects. Thus, the diagnosis meets the specificity of caregivers, but points to the need to group the clinical signs that give objectivity and clarity to their identification in the nursing practice.
Family Relations; Caregivers; Nursing Diagnosis; Nursing