Abstract
Introduction: Our study focused on the functioning of family caregivers of individuals with dementia attending day care centres. The main aims of the study were: (1) to compare self-regulation and depressive symptoms in caregivers of relatives with dementia and individuals who are not caregivers; (2) to evaluate the impact of self-regulation on depressive symptoms and grief in caregivers of relatives with dementia; (3) to estimate relationships between self-regulation, depressive symptoms, caregiver grief and support provided to individuals with dementia. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 30 family caregivers of persons with dementia attending day care centres and controls who were not caregivers (n = 32). The Depression Assessment Questionnaire (DAQ), MM Caregiver Grief Inventory (MM-CGI-50), and some subscales from Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) were administered. Results: Family caregivers obtained significantly higher scores than controls in global index of DAQ and in some depression dimensions. The regression analysis showed that caregiving redounded to higher intensity of thoughts about death, pessimism, and alienation, guilt and anxiety. The moderating effect of caregiving on the relationship between self-regulation and depressive symptoms such as cognitive deficits and energy loss was found. There were significant correlations between self-regulation and emotional, informative and buffer-protective support. Conclusions: Caregiving for a relative with dementia, even when the regular external assistance is received, poses a risk of impairing emotional functioning. Self-regulatory capacity of the caregiver appears the relevant factor both buffering against depressive symptoms and increasing the readiness to provide different types of support for care recipients with dementia.
Published Version
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