The role of self-compassion in caring for a person with dementia V2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the relationship between self-compassion, positive aspects of caregiving and carer-related distress: A cross-sectional study of dementia carers.
IRAS ID
258549
Contact name
Lisa Caygill
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teeside University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Is there a relationship between self-compassion, positive aspects of caregiving and carer-related distress, within a sample of individuals caring for a person with a diagnosis of dementia?
This project is a cross-sectional study (measurements occurring within one time-point) of individuals who are the carer for a person with dementia. Participants will be recruited through two NHS services for older adults and one charity (Carers' Association) and will be asked to complete seven questionnaires. These can be completed on paper, or electronically dependent on participant preference. Questionnaires take between 8 and 15 minutes to complete in total, and cover the following variables: self-compassion, carer-related distress, positive aspects of caregiving, an assessment of general physical and mental health and well-being, social support, and two demographic questionnaires: one collecting information about the carer, one collecting information about the person with dementia.
The primary variable of interest is self-compassion, defined as an individual's ability to have a kind and nurturing attitude towards oneself in situations that threaten one's adequacy. I am primarily interested in whether there is a link between self-compassion and carer-related distress.
As a secondary aim, I am interested in whether an individual's tendency towards self-compassion is linked to their propensity to positively appraise the caregiving experience (i.e. an individuals role as a carer made them feel useful).
I am collecting information on demographic variables (i.e. gender, age of carer, person with dementia's specific diagnosis) as previous studies have shown these to be linked to how individuals adjust to the caregiving experience. I am also asking about the Carer's physical and mental well-being and social support for the same reason.
If analysis of the collected data suggests these links are significant, the aim is to use these findings to improve the support that is offered to Carers.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NE/0182
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion