Date of Submission
2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP, Chair
First Advisor
Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP, Chair
Second Advisor
Donald Masey, PsyD
Third Advisor
Michael Srulevich, DO, MPH
Abstract
This study examined predictors of caregiver burden, mental health, physical health, overall quality of life, and the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains of quality of life in caregivers of persons living with complications of dementia. Predictors included social problem-solving, caregiver resilience, length of time as a caregiver, and severity of dementia symptomatology. Caregivers recruited from an outpatient memory care clinic completed an online survey that included a demographic questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Social Problem-Solving Inventory–Revised: Short Form (SPSI–R:S), the World Health Organization Quality of Life -Short Version (WHOQOL-BREF), the Dementia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS), and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Study results found that caregiver resilience was the best predictor across outcome variables, followed by dementia symptom severity. Correlations indicated significant relationships between caregiver resilience, self-rated mental health, and the psychological and physical domains of quality of life. Caregiver support services that include early assessment of caregiver burden and focus on building resilience, interpersonal psychotherapy, and problem-solving are recommended in clinical care within this population.
Recommended Citation
Fannick, Emily Helene, "Role of Resilience, Quality of Life, and Social Problem-solving in Caregivers of Patients Living with Dementia" (2024). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 656.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/656