Psychological health in carers for individuals living with dementia.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The relationships between self-compassion, emotional intelligence, psychological distress, and carer burden in carers for individuals living with dementia.
IRAS ID
252073
Contact name
Monja Knoll
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
There are an estimated 700,000 informal carers for individuals living with dementia in the UK. Carers can face challenges navigating the caring responsibilities and adapting to changes in relationships with their family member. There is some research that has suggested a negative impact of caring burden. Higher levels of anxiety and depression (psychological distress) has been found in carers. This study aims to investigate what factors might predict psychological distress and carer burden.
Previous research has suggested that self-compassion and emotional intelligence can predict psychological distress and carer burden. Self-compassion is described as having three components: self-kindness (in contrast to self-critical when faced with difficulty); common humanity (recognition that failings are common to everyone); and mindful acceptance (of difficult thoughts and feelings in contrast to over identifying with them). Emotional intelligence is described as self-awareness to name and understand emotions and why they may be present and be able to manage emotions in helpful ways.
Most of the research conducted into self-compassion and emotional intelligence has been completed with a wide range of individuals from different circumstances. This study aims to investigate these factors in carers for individuals living with dementia. This study also aims to investigate if levels of emotional intelligence explains the relationship between levels of self-compassion and levels of psychological distress and carer burden.
This study involves completing five questionnaires to measure self-compassion, emotional intelligence, psychological distress, and carer burden. Questionnaires can be completed online through following a link or on paper. Participants will be recruited though advertisement in relevant NHS teams and sites, online via support group forums and contacting relevant third sector organisations. By understanding the factors that can influence carer wellbeing may promote understanding of the needs of carers and inform future research into interventions. This can also inform the development of support for carers.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0125
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion