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What predicts whether caregivers of people with dementia find meaning in their role?
- Authors:
- QUINN Catherine, CLARE Linda, WOODS Robert T.
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 27(11), November 2012, pp.1195-1202.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Even though informal caregiving for dementia sufferers is a stressful endeavour, recent research has focused on the positive aspects of providing care. However, there has been little exploration of the factors linked to caregivers identifying positive aspects of providing care. This study examined the predictors of finding meaning in caregiving. Questionnaire respondents included 447 caregivers of people with dementia who were in receipt of a specialist nursing service. The questionnaire contained measures of meaning, relationship quality, caregivers' motivations to provide care, role captivity and caregiving competence. Findings indicated that higher meaning was associated with being a spousal caregiver, providing greater hours of care, higher religiosity, a better pre-caregiving and current relationship quality, higher competence, lower role captivity, higher intrinsic motivations and higher extrinsic motivations. Analyses indicated that variance in finding meaning was significantly predicted by high religiosity, high competence, high intrinsic motivations and low role captivity. The authors concluded that interventions should help caregivers focus on positive aspects of providing care to enhance their feelings of competence and well-being.
Attachment representations in people with dementia and their carers: implications for well-being within the dyad
- Authors:
- NELIS Sharon M., CLARE Linda, WHITAKER Christopher J.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 16(7), September 2012, pp.845-854.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Developing dementia may activate attachment feelings and behaviours in people with dementia (PwD) and their carers. This study aimed to provide information on the nature and concordance of attachment patterns within the dyad and to examine the relative contribution of attachment representations in PwD and carers to the well-being of both parties. Ninety-seven PwD and their carers from a North Wales memory clinic completed categorical and dimensional ratings of attachment. PwD also rated their self-concept, mood and quality of life. Carers rated the functional ability of PwD and neuropsychiatric symptoms and measures of subjective well-being. PwD reported more insecure than secure attachment. Attachment security for PwD was related to more positive self-concept and less symptoms of anxiety. Mood and self-concept were strong predictors of quality of life. Carer attachment security was related to their psychological health. PwD working models of attachment did not predict carer well-being and vice versa. The authors concluded that attachment representations may be important for the psychological well-being of PwD and carers, but there was no evidence of the reciprocal nature of attachment.
Illness representations in caregivers of people with dementia
- Authors:
- QUINN Catherine, JONES Ian Rees, CLARE Linda
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 21(5), 2017, pp.553-561.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Illness representations shape responses to illness experienced by the self or by others. The illness representations held by family members of those with long-term conditions such as dementia influence their understanding of what is happening to the person and how they respond and provide support. The aim of this study is to explore components of illness representations (label, cause, control and timeline) in caregivers of people with dementia. Method: This was an exploratory study; the data reported came from the Memory Impairment and Dementia Awareness Study (MIDAS). Data from semi-structured interviews with 50 caregivers of people with dementia were analysed using content analysis. Results: The majority of caregivers gave accounts that appeared to endorse a medical/diagnostic label, although many used different terms interchangeably. Caregivers differentiated between direct causes and contributory factors, but the predominant explanation was that dementia had a biological cause. Other perceived causes were hereditary factors, ageing, lifestyle, life events and environmental factors. A limited number of caregivers were able to identify things that people with dementia could do to help manage the condition, while others thought nothing could be done. There were varying views about the efficacy of medication. In terms of timeline, there was considerable uncertainty about how dementia would progress over time. Conclusion: The extent of uncertainty about the cause, timeline and controllability of dementia indicated that caregivers need information on these areas. Tailored information and support taking account of caregivers' existing representations may be most beneficial. (Publisher abstract)