Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Past research has identified behavioural changes indicating improved functioning for people who undergo DBT. To date, however, there has been little research investigating the underlying mechanism of change. The present study utilised a between-subjects design and self-report questionnaires of Self-Control and the five factor model of personality and drew participants from a metropolitan DBT program. We found that pre-treatment participants were significantly lower on Self-Control, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness when compared to both the post-treatment assessment and the norms for each questionnaire. Neuroticism was significantly higher both before and after treatment when compared to the norms. These findings suggest that Self-Control may play a role in both the presentation of this disorder and the effect of DBT. High levels of Neuroticism lend weight to the Linehan biosocial model of BPD development.

This study utilized multilevel modeling to evaluate a newly revised model wherein dementia caregivers' (CGs') stress process variables, perceived stress and emotional-behavioral responses, were posited as predictors of behavioral symptoms of dementia (BSD) within community-based dyads. Secondary analyses were conducted on data from a primary two-group (experimental and control) trial, in which experimental subjects received a home monitoring system for managing nighttime activity in persons with dementia (PWD). Models indicated that CGs' trajectories did not differ significantly between groups over time; however, the time by group interaction of BSD approached significance. Since BSD were not targeted, this indicated that the system may have indirectly lowered BSD. Additionally, CGs' perceived stress and emotional-behavioral responses predicted BSD, on average (across all occasions) and from occasion to occasion, with higher levels associated with worse BSD. These limited results provide some support for further research to investigate the nature of these relationships.As the population continues to live longer, the incidence of dementia increases, with over 13 million individuals expected to have dementia by the year 2050 (Hebert et al

The purpose of this article is to extend the Schultz and Martire Caregiver Stress-Health Model by explaining consequences of the stress process beyond those related to health in dementia caregivers, including consequences for caregivers and the dyadic unit, and to highlight the dynamic that exists between caregivers' stress, behavioral symptoms of dementia, and behavior-related reactions of caregivers. The relevant literature is reviewed, establishing the pervasive effects of caregivers' stress within a care dyad. Primary informal caregivers play a predominant role in managing environmental stimuli and providing for needs, in particular adjusting their own approaches and demeanor to enhance the care environment. Thus, behavioral symptoms of dementia and the behavior-related reactions of caregivers are conceptualized as a dyadic consequence of the caregivers' stress process. This model presents an extended view of the consequences of caregivers' stress and provides a more holistic, dyadic approach to the issues these vulnerable dyads face. Behavioral symptoms of dementia and behavior-related reactions are seen as amenable to caregiver- or dyad-directed interventions that target stress reduction. This conceptualization may provide support for research, clinical, or policy initiatives that include caregiver-directed or dyadic interventions for these important behavior-related outcomes.

This article presents four case studies of elder abuse from the files of a multisite training project designed to teach rural caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders how to better manage behavioral problems associated with dementia. The cases are used to illustrate characteristics of victims, perpetrators, andfamily systems that are vulnerable to abuse. The examples presented reflect a variety of factors associated with abuse in caregiving situations, including denial and maladaptive personality characteristics in the caregiver, and anxiety and lack of knowledge. The role of health care professionals and researchers who uncover abuse or neglect situations is also discussed.