Analysis of the moderating effect of self-efficacy domains in different points of the dementia caregiving process

Abstract

Introduction: Studies analyzing the moderator role of self-efficacy have centered their attention on the relationship between stressors and distress. However, drawing upon the stress and coping model, the moderator effects of self-efficacy may appear in the relationship between other key elements of the stress process.

Objectives and method: The purpose of this study was to analyze, in a sample of 167 dementia family caregivers, (1) the moderating effect of self-efficacy for managing behavioral problems on the relationship between frequency of behavioral problems and burden; and (2) the moderating effect of self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts on the relationship between burden and caregivers’ distress (depression and anxiety).

Results: While no support has been found for the hypothesis that self-efficacy for managing behavioral problems moderates the relationship between frequency of behavioral problems and burden, our findings support the moderator role of self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts in the relationship between burden and distress. No differences in distress measures are found between caregivers with high and low scores on self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts when they report low levels of burden. However, when the levels of burden are high, caregivers with high self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts report significantly lower levels of distress than caregivers with low self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts.

Conclusion: Self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts may be particularly effective for caregivers who report high burden scores, attenuating the impact of burden on caregivers’ distress (depression and anxiety).

Keywords:

• behavioral problems
• burden
• caregivers
• dementia
• distress
• moderation

Acknowledgements

The preparation of this article was supported by grants from both the Spanish Ministry of Education (Grant SEJ2006-02489/PSIC) and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Grant PSI2009-08132/PSIC).