Powerful tools for caregivers: improving self-care and self-efficacy of family caregivers

Citation Kuhn, D., Fulton, B. & Edelman, P. (2003). Powerful tools for caregivers: improving self-care and self-efficacy of family caregivers. Alzheimer's Care Quarterly, 4(3), 189-200.

Participants The participants of this study were n=48 spouses and n=107 adult children caregivers of someone with memory loss

Outcome / Dependent Variables The following scales were used to measure their respective dependent variables: CES-D (depression), Vitality Subscale (caregiver health), Self-efficacy scale and positive self-talk scale, and Revised Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist. The number of activities care givers use to relax, exercise was also examined.

Procedure The intervention involved a 6-week psychoeducational skill-building class for 2.5 hrs. The intervention rooted in social cognitive theory which helps to reduce personal stress, change negative self talk, communicate needs, recognize and manage difficult feelings, and make tough caregiver decisions.

Outcomes Data showed: significant increases in competence/confidence for spouses (large) and adult children (very large), significant increases in positive self-talk for spouses (moderate to large) and adult children (large), significant increases in attitudes regarding taking care of their own health for spouses (moderate to large) and small to moderate increase in number of relaxation activities during past week, and significant improvement in ability to make time for themselves for adult children (moderate to large) and improvement in depression or vitality (moderate to large).

Author Kuhn, D., Fulton, B. & Edelman, P.