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Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports 3/2011

01-06-2011

A Review of the Psychobiology of Dementia Caregiving: A Focus on Resilience Factors

Authors: Alexandrea L. Harmell, Elizabeth A. Chattillion, Susan K. Roepke, Brent T. Mausbach

Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports | Issue 3/2011

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Abstract

The recent aging trend in the United States has resulted in exponential growth in the number of informal dementia caregivers. Caring for a family member with dementia has been associated with negative health outcomes that are likely related to physiologic changes resulting from stress. However, caregiving is not always associated with health morbidity. In this review, we highlight resilience factors that appear to have a beneficial relationship with health outcomes. Specifically, we highlight 11 studies that examined the relationship of one of three broad resilience domains (personal mastery, self-efficacy, and coping style) to caregiver health outcomes. Our main findings were that higher levels of personal mastery and self-efficacy, and increased use of positive coping strategies appear to have a protective effect on various health outcomes in dementia caregivers. Continued research is warranted to help guide prospective directions for caregiver interventions focusing on increasing caregiver resilience and the corresponding impact on caregiver health.
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Metadata
Title
A Review of the Psychobiology of Dementia Caregiving: A Focus on Resilience Factors
Authors
Alexandrea L. Harmell
Elizabeth A. Chattillion
Susan K. Roepke
Brent T. Mausbach
Publication date
01-06-2011
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Psychiatry Reports / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 1523-3812
Electronic ISSN: 1535-1645
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-011-0187-1

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