Joanna Lloyd1,2, Jane Muers1,2, Tom G Patterson1,2, Magdalena Marczak1,2. 1. a School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences , Coventry University , Coventry , UK. 2. b Faculty of Health and Life Sciences , Coventry University , Coventry , UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Caring for someone with dementia can have negative consequences for caregivers, a phenomenon known as caregiver burden. Coping strategies influence the impact of caregiving-related stress. Specifically, using emotion-focused strategies has been associated with lower levels of burden, whereas dysfunctional strategies have been related to increased burden. The concept of self-compassion has been linked to both positive outcomes and the coping strategies that are most advantageous to caregivers. However, as yet, no research has studied self-compassion in caregivers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between self-compassion, coping strategies and caregiver burden in dementia caregivers. METHOD: Cross-sectional survey data was collected from 73 informal caregivers of people with dementia recruited from post-diagnostic support services and caregiver support groups. RESULTS: Self-compassion was found to be negatively related to caregiver burden and dysfunctional coping strategies and positively related to emotion-focused coping strategies. Dysfunctional strategies mediated the relationship between self-compassion and caregiver burden, whereas emotion-focused strategies did not. CONCLUSION: Caregivers with higher levels of self-compassion report lower levels of burden and this is at least partly due to the use of less dysfunctional coping strategies. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Interventions that develop self-compassion could represent a useful intervention for struggling caregivers.
OBJECTIVE: Caring for someone with dementia can have negative consequences for caregivers, a phenomenon known as caregiver burden. Coping strategies influence the impact of caregiving-related stress. Specifically, using emotion-focused strategies has been associated with lower levels of burden, whereas dysfunctional strategies have been related to increased burden. The concept of self-compassion has been linked to both positive outcomes and the coping strategies that are most advantageous to caregivers. However, as yet, no research has studied self-compassion in caregivers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between self-compassion, coping strategies and caregiver burden in dementia caregivers. METHOD: Cross-sectional survey data was collected from 73 informal caregivers of people with dementia recruited from post-diagnostic support services and caregiver support groups. RESULTS: Self-compassion was found to be negatively related to caregiver burden and dysfunctional coping strategies and positively related to emotion-focused coping strategies. Dysfunctional strategies mediated the relationship between self-compassion and caregiver burden, whereas emotion-focused strategies did not. CONCLUSION: Caregivers with higher levels of self-compassion report lower levels of burden and this is at least partly due to the use of less dysfunctional coping strategies. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Interventions that develop self-compassion could represent a useful intervention for struggling caregivers.
Authors: Eva de Krijger; Renate Willems; Peter Ten Klooster; Ellen Bakker; Harald Miedema; Constance Drossaert; Ernst Bohlmeijer Journal: Front Psychol Date: 2022-07-04