Caring for someone with dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Caring for someone with dementia: An investigation of factors associated with carer affect
IRAS ID
166134
Contact name
Helen Pulford
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Highland Research, Development and Innovation Department
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 17 days
Research summary
Research suggests that caring for someone with dementia may lead to higher risk of experiencing mental health problems. Research into the factors that influence carer distress indicates that self-esteem is associated with caregiver outcome; and that gender differences may influence distress experienced by carers.
This study aims to examine how traits of masculinity and femininity and levels of self-esteem are associated with distress experienced by carers of people with dementia. This will be investigated in relation to Pearlin et al.’s (1990) stress process model of caregiving.
Male and female caregivers of people with dementia will be recruited through the Scottish Dementia Clinical Research Network. Participants will be asked to complete a postal survey assessing gender identity, burden, self-esteem, caregiver mental health and the person with dementia's level of functioning.
Findings from this study could lead to further understanding of the factors that contribute to and are associated with caregiver distress. This may highlight key areas of support to include in future interventions for caregivers of people with dementia.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
15/WS/0040
Date of REC Opinion
20 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion