An exploration of the attachment process in dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How can we understand the attachment process between the person with dementia and caregiver: an exploratory study in a care home
IRAS ID
206450
Contact name
Laura-Lee Peters
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 6 days
Research summary
Research has indicated that people with dementia develop psychological difficulties and can exhibit behaviour which is perceived to be challenging. This understanding of “challenging” behaviour currently drives how services respond to people with dementia. However, an alternative perspective suggests that these “challenging behaviours" may be due to seeking safety from others because their inner world is breaking down; these behaviours are known as “attachment behaviours”. If services are shaped by this perspective then more helpful ways to support people with dementia could be implemented.
Thus, current research has aimed to widen our understanding of the attachment behaviours. This has been done by exploring the perspective of the person with dementia and their caregivers. However, there have been many issues with the way these studies have been conducted which has led to a plethora of mixed findings. It appears more understanding of the attachment system is necessary; how the person with dementia displays attachment, how that affects the caregiver and how it affects both the person with dementia and caregiver response to one another.
Therefore, this study aims to further our understanding of the attachment process between the person with dementia and their caregiver. The lead researcher will carry out observations of both the person with dementia and caregiver, including observing their experience of the world around them; this will give a richer understanding of the attachment process. Participants will include the person with dementia and their caregivers, and will be recruited from a residential care home in the South West region. Maximum hours spent on observations will span between roughly 20-30 hours over a 3-4 month period. However, due to the nature of the research it may be that fewer hours are needed to reach data saturation. In addition, conversations with the residents and/or caregivers may be used to inform the research.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1445
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion