The relationship between self-efficacy and positive aspects of caregiving in Alzheimer's disease caregivers

Abstract

Objectives: Positive aspects of the caregiving experience may buffer caregivers from the many negative psychological and physical consequences of caregiving. Understanding what factors relate to the recognition of positive aspects of caregiving is important for the enhancement of caregiver well-being. Self-efficacy is a potentially modifiable psychological construct that has been associated with positive thinking, improved control of negative affect, and enhanced motivation.

Methods: This study examined the relationship between positive aspects of caregiving and self-efficacy among 57 family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Participant data was gathered through individual interviews conducted as a part of a larger randomized controlled trial of a caregiver intervention.

Results: We found that self-efficacy accounted for a significant percentage of the variance in positive aspects of caregiving after controlling for other factors commonly associated with positive aspects of caregiving including caregiver demographics, care recipient neuropsychiatric symptoms, and caregiver depression.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that high self-efficacy relates to caregivers’ perception of positive aspects of the caregiving experience.

Keywords:

• caregiving
• dementia
• positive aspects of caregiving
• self-efficacy

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Alzheimer's Association [NIRG-06-26280]; the Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center [NIA P30AD13846]; Bedford Veterans Administration Hospital; VA Boston Healthcare System; and the Massachusetts Councils on Aging. The authors also extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers that took the time to participate in this study and contribute to this important area of research.