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Carer burden and positive gain in dementia

Catriona George (NHS Scotland, Glasgow, UK)
Nuno Ferreira (Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus)

Working with Older People

ISSN: 1366-3666

Article publication date: 27 March 2020

Issue publication date: 20 May 2020

202

Abstract

Purpose

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) have been well established as factors involved in the development of carer burden. However, it is not clear which symptoms are most burdensome for carers and which caregiver factors may be involved. This study aims to explore symptoms associated with executive functioning deficits and their impact on three dimensions of carer burden and positive gain. It also aims to discover whether behaviour management strategies used by carers, and their level of experiential avoidance, had an independent impact on these factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 110 dementia caregivers completed five self-report measures as part of a cross-sectional design: the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX), Zarit Burden Interview, Positive Aspects of Caregiving Questionnaire, Dementia Management Strategies Scale and Experiential Avoidance in Caregiving Questionnaire (EACQ).

Findings

Executive functioning deficits (DEX) were found to account for most variance in burden, with DEX subscales impacting differentially on the three dimensions of burden and positive gain. The use of negative management strategies was associated with higher levels of burden, as was Active Avoidant Behaviour (a subscale of the EACQ), whereas positive management strategies were associated with positive gain.

Originality/value

In line with previous findings, symptoms associated with executive functioning deficits were the most significant factor in the development of carer burden. The findings relating to behaviour management strategies and experiential avoidance suggest that these could be potential mediating mechanisms in this relationship. Further research is required to explore this in detail, and to consider implications for targeted carer interventions.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Scottish Dementia Clinical Research Network who received funding from Scottish Ministers through the Chief Scientist Office. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Scottish Ministers or the Chief Scientist Office.

Citation

George, C. and Ferreira, N. (2020), "Carer burden and positive gain in dementia", Working with Older People, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 113-123. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-02-2020-0009

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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