V1. Psychological adjustment in people affected by Parkinson’s disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Psychological adjustment in people with Parkinson’s disease and caregivers: the role of coping, illness beliefs and self-compassion.
IRAS ID
234330
Contact name
Lorna Hodge
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Parkinson’s disease is thought to affect 10,000 people within Scotland. The condition is progressive, and leads to difficulties with movement. The condition can also impact on the quality of life and mental health of those affected. The needs of caregivers are also of importance as their mental health and quality of life can also be impacted. Considering the chronic nature and evolving symptoms of the disease, and the growing population being impacted by Parkinson’s disease, being able to cope and adjust accordingly to the disease would be beneficial to the psychological wellbeing of all those affected. Psychological adjustment is a person’s ability to cope with the needs of their situation, and the potential distress resulting from these needs. This study aims to explore what factors contribute to better psychological adjustment in Parkinson’s disease by conducting a survey with people with mild idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. Participants with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease will be recruited through health professionals within selected NHS health boards, and caregivers will be identified by participants with Parkinson’s disease. Consenting participants will complete questionnaires which explore their beliefs about illness, coping responses, self-compassion, mental health and quality of life. These questionnaires will either be posted to participants or handed to them by health professionals for them to complete in their own time and to return to the researcher by post. Recruitment for the study aims to take place from May 2018 until April 2019. The data collected will be analysed to identify which factors are associated with better psychological adjustment in people with Parkinson’s disease and caregivers, it is hoped that this information will be used to help inform services on how they can best support those impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0113
Date of REC Opinion
26 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion