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Self-esteem, self-efficacy and optimism as psychological resources among family caregivers of people with dementia: findings from the IDEAL study
Lamont, R.A. Nelis, S.M. Martyr, A. Rusted, J.M. Hindle, J.V. Longdon, B. Clare, L.
Lamont, R.A.
Nelis, S.M.
Martyr, A.
Rusted, J.M.
Hindle, J.V.
Longdon, B.
Clare, L.
Publication Date
2019-09
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(c) 2019 Cambridge University Press. Full-text reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy.
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Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2019-07-31
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Abstract
Being a family caregiver, and in particular giving care to someone with dementia, impacts
upon mental and physical health, and potentially reduces the ability of caregivers to ‘live
well’. This paper examines whether three key psychological resources, self-efficacy,
optimism and self-esteem, are associated with better outcomes for caregivers of people with
dementia.
Design and Participants
Caregivers of 1283 people with mild-to-moderate dementia in the Improving the experience
of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) project responded to measures of selfefficacy,
optimism and self-esteem, and ‘living well’ (quality of life, life satisfaction and
well-being). Multivariate linear regression was used to examine the association between
psychological resources and ‘living well’.
Results
Self-efficacy, optimism and self-esteem were all independently associated with better
capability to ‘live well’ for caregivers. This association persisted when accounting for a
number of potential confounding variables (age group, sex, and hours of caregiving per day).
Conclusions
Low self-efficacy, optimism and self-esteem might present a risk of poor outcomes for
caregivers of people with dementia. These findings encourage us to consider how new or
established interventions might increase the psychological resilience of caregivers.
Version
Accepted manuscript
Citation
Lamont RA, Quinn C, Nelis SM et al (2019) Self-esteem, self-efficacy and optimism as psychological resources among family caregivers of people with dementia: findings from the IDEAL study. International Psychogeriatrics. 31(9): 1259-1266.
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Article