Predictors of the Psychological Well-Being of Primary Caregivers Living With a Demented Relative: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study

Abstract

This 1-year follow-up study aimed to examine the predictors of change in psychological well-being, using two negative indicators (psychological distress and negative feelings about the caregiver role) and two positive indicators (positive feelings about the caregiver role and positive affect) of well-being. The sample consisted of primary caregivers (n = 180) cohabiting with a demented relative. Four variables were involved in predictive relationships with psycho logical well-being The first variable, appraisal of the disturbance from dysfunctional behaviors at Time 1, was selectively predictive of an increase in the two negative indicators over a year. The second and third variables, increased conflicts in the exchange of informal support and less frequent informal support at Time 1, were predictive of an increase in psychological distress. The fourth variable, frequent use of affective-stimulative dementia management strategies at Time 1, appeared to predict an increase in the two positive indicators of well-being. Knowledge of these four predictors can be useful in designing interventions that target the improvement of well-being.