The relationship of caregiver self-efficacy to caregiver outcomes: a correlation and mediation analysis

Abstract

Objectives

Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias experience significant burden and adverse outcomes. Enhancing caregiver self-efficacy has the potential to mitigate these negative impacts, yet little is known about its relationship with other aspects of caregiving. This study examined the relationship between self-efficacy and outcomes; identified factors associated with self-efficacy; examined the mediating role of self-efficacy; and analyzed whether there were racial/ethnic differences.

Methods

Data from caregivers (N = 243) were collected from the Caring for the Caregiver Network study. Participants’ level of self-efficacy, depression, burden, and positive aspects of caregiving was assessed using validated measures.

Results

Two self-efficacy subscales predicted caregiver depression, burden, and positive aspects of caregiving. Being White, a spouse, or having a larger social network predicted lower self-efficacy for obtaining respite. Higher income and lower preparedness predicted lower self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts and responding to disruptive behaviors. Self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts mediated the relationship between preparedness and depression along with the relationship between preparedness and burden. Race/ethnicity did not improve model fit.

Conclusion

Self-efficacy plays an important role in caregiver outcomes. These findings indicate that strategies to improve caregiver self-efficacy should be an integral component of caregiver interventions.

Keywords:

• Caregiving
• self-efficacy
• preparedness
• ADRD
• dementia

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy restrictions (e.g. containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) under grant 5R01NR014434-05 and National Institute on Aging.