Testing the stress-buffering hypothesis of social support in couples coping with early-stage dementia.

Paul Gellert,Michael Rapp,Maryam Gholami,Andreas Häusler,Adelheid Kuhlmey,Ralf Suhr,Johanna Nordheim,Horacio Firmino

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0189849

Abstract

PurposeTo test whether the negative relationship between perceived stress and quality of life (Hypothesis 1) can be buffered by perceived social support in patients with dementia as well as in caregivers individually (Hypothesis 2: actor effects) and across partners (Hypothesis 3: partner effects and actor-partner effects).MethodA total of 108 couples (N = 216 individuals) comprised of one individual with early-stage dementia and one caregiving partner were assessed at baseline and one month apart. Moderation effects were investigated by applying linear mixed models and actor-partner interdependence models.ResultsAlthough the stress-quality of life association was more pronounced in caregivers (β = -.63, p<.001) compared to patients (β = -.31, p<.001), this association was equally moderated by social support in patients (β = .14, p<.05) and in the caregivers (β = .13, p<.05). From one partner to his or her counterpart, the partner buffering and actor-partner-buffering effect were not present.ConclusionThe stress-buffering effect has been replicated in individuals with dementia and caregivers but not across partners. Interventions to improve quality of life through perceived social support should not only focus on caregivers, but should incorporate both partners.

Highlights

There is a high prevalence of family caregiving
The stress-quality of life association was more pronounced in caregivers (β = -.63, p
The stress-buffering effect has been replicated in individuals with dementia and caregivers but not across partners

Summary

Introduction

There is a high prevalence of family caregiving. In the USA, more than 15 million people provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias [1]. In Germany, two of three people with dementia are living in the community, many of them receive informal care from their partners [2]. Coping with dementia represents a constant stressor for both the caregiving partner as well as the partner with dementia with negative effect on their quality of life [3]. Perceived social support has shown to buffer the detrimental effects of perceived stress on quality of life [4, 5]. The purpose of this study is to test the stress-buffering hypothesis in couples coping with dementia

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion