STRESS AND COPING OF CAREGIVERS TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA.
Contributors: University of California, Los Angeles.
Published: 1996
Number of pages: 227
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Mental Health.; Psychology, Social.
Description: Considerable literature exists on the presence of burden among caregivers, however, it has also been discovered that individuals psychologically adapt to situations in which they are involved. The purpose of this study is, utilizing an adaptation paradigm, to examine the interrelationship of factors in the caregiver's environment and the mediating role of coping mechanisms on appraisal of caregiving. The theoretical framework to guide this study was based on Roy's Adaptation model in conjunction with Lazarus and Folkman's cognitively-based theory of stress and coping. Data were collected from 129 caregivers, either wives or daughters, caring for a demented individual in their home. Instruments utilized in the study included: Global Self-Rated Health Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Personal Views Survey, Lubben Social Network Scale, Memory and Behavior Checklist, Ways of Coping (Revised), and Caregiver Appraisal Tool. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design employing structural equation modeling based on Lazarus and Folkman's cognitively-based theory of stress and coping and the Roy Adaptation model of nursing to determine appraisal of the caregiving role.

The final model demonstrated the complex inter-relationship of factors in determining appraisal of the caregiving. The Comparative Fit Index (CFI.92) and Normed Fit Index (NFI.90). suggest the revised model represented adequate fit to the data. The model demonstrated that the physical health of the caregiver, patient problem behaviors, emotion and problem-focused coping had a direct significant relationship on appraisal of the caregiving role. Indirect relationships to appraisal, through problem and emotion-focused coping included depression, hardiness, social support and spirituality. The model did provide support for the Roy Adaptation model which asserts the intermediary role of coping mechanisms on appraisal of the caregiving role. The study offered preliminary confirmation that appraisal of the caregiving role can include positive aspects for caregivers and the need to investigate possible stages of caregiving.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-04, Section: B, page: 2478.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES, 1996.

School code: 0031.