Samuel J Marwit1, Peggy N Kaye. 1. Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. marwits@umsl.edu
Abstract
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the psychometric and validity properties and applicability of a modified version of the Marwit-Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory (MM-CGI) for use with caregivers of patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). RESEARCH DESIGN: Replicate Marwit and Meuser's original psychometric study assessing grief in caregivers of dementia patients. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The MM-CGI was administered to 28 ABI caregivers along with standardized measures of caregiver strain, depression, well-being and family support. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Results for ABI caregivers were similar to those for dementia caregivers with the instrument demonstrating excellent internal consistency reliability for total and sub-scale grief scores and strong divergent validity. Results also parallel those of a recent study of cancer caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: The MM-CGI is as useful for diagnosing and treating grief in ABI caregivers as it is for those caring for persons with other serious illnesses.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the psychometric and validity properties and applicability of a modified version of the Marwit-Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory (MM-CGI) for use with caregivers of patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). RESEARCH DESIGN: Replicate Marwit and Meuser's original psychometric study assessing grief in caregivers of dementiapatients. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The MM-CGI was administered to 28 ABI caregivers along with standardized measures of caregiver strain, depression, well-being and family support. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Results for ABI caregivers were similar to those for dementia caregivers with the instrument demonstrating excellent internal consistency reliability for total and sub-scale grief scores and strong divergent validity. Results also parallel those of a recent study of cancer caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: The MM-CGI is as useful for diagnosing and treating grief in ABI caregivers as it is for those caring for persons with other serious illnesses.