IU and strain in the caregivers of people with dementia

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Intolerance of uncertainty and strain in the caregivers of people with dementia

• IRAS ID

  237935

• Contact name

  Alan Galvin

• Contact email

  a.galvin2@newcastle.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 7 months, 28 days

• Research summary

  This study aims to investigate the role that a psychological characteristic called “intolerance of uncertainty” may have in the feelings of strain experienced by the caregivers of people with dementia. While providing care can be a rewarding experience, caregiving is also linked with high levels of psychological stress, physical health problems and increased rates of anxiety and depression. Given the valuable role caregivers occupy, research providing insight into the factors that determine caregiver resilience and vulnerability to stress has academic, clinical and societal relevance.
  Intolerance of uncertainty is a psychological characteristic which leads to negative reactions, believes and perceptions regarding uncertain events and situations. Intolerance of uncertainty has been linked with the development of several mental health problems (depression/anxiety), however, although we know caregiving can be an uncertain experience, the role of intolerance of uncertainty in the health of caregivers has not yet been researched. The first step in this process is to measure the strength and the nature of the relationship between Intolerance of uncertainty and caregiver mental health and strain. To do this we hope to contact caregivers of people with dementia via services in the NHS and ask various charities such as the Alzheimers society to advertise our study to caregivers. Those interested in taking part will be invited to complete a survey asking about their beliefs and attitudes regarding uncertainty and various other aspects of their health and wellbeing. The survey will be available online or via post and will take participants approximately 30-35 minutes to complete. We will aim to recruit about 220 people which would allow us carry out a statistical analyses and accurately understand if there is a link between intolerance of uncertainty and caregiver strain. We hope this research will generate further research into the area.

• REC name

  North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  18/NE/0075

• Date of REC Opinion

  18 Apr 2018

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion