The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of men caring for spouses suffering from dementia from a salutogenic perspective. The study focused on the experiences of ten men caring for a spouse with dementia. Primarily qualitative analysing methods were utilized. Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews conducted with male spouses of patients with dementia. An orientational analysis approach was followed and the data was analysed in terms of Antonovsky's sense of coherence construct. Qualitative findings were compared to participant responses to quantitative measures. Stressors most often reported were cognitive impairment, behaviour problems, a lack of free-time, erosion of the relationship, family conflict and financial concerns. Factors facilitating caregiver coping included support from their daughters, their ability to find meaning and satisfaction within the context of the care-giving task, and the successful utilization of active, problem-focused coping strategies. Men generally appear to be effective and capable caregivers. However, their approach to care giving differs from that of their female peers. Task-oriented problem-solving, effective use of the available support resources and the ability to find both meaning and satisfaction in their caring appear characteristic of effective male caregivers of demented spouses.

This study focused on the experiences of eight female participants who were responsible for the daily care of their husbands, all of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. An essentially qualitative research approach, triangulated with certain quantitative measures, was used to identify both stressors and strengths reported by these caregivers. Results from mental health questionnaires showed that the comprehensive social, economic and health-related stressors experienced by caregivers put them at risk of developing serious mental health problems. However, qualitative data obtained from support group discussions, individual interviews and personal diaries highlighted the particular strengths that these caregivers showed and made use of during the caregiving process. These identified sources of resilience might in future contribute towards the development of a programme aimed at keeping this, and similar groups known to be prone to the development of stress-related illnesses, psychologically strong.

This study focused on the relationship between psychofortigenic factors and psychological burnout among nursing staff at institutions where patients with Alzheimer's disease, as well as other conditions, are hospitalized. Psychofortigenesis relates to the term ‘salutogenesis’ and refers to the origin of psychological strengths. It can thus be regarded as the opposite of psychopathogenesis. There is evidence of high levels of burnout among nursing staff in South Africa and thus the question arises as to which psychofortigenic factors would enable them to cope. The study group consisted of 226 South African nurses from 21 institutions involved in the care of Alzheimer's patients. Questionnaires administered to the group included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Sense of Coherence Scale and the Fortitude Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed negative correlations between burnout and the psychofortigenic factors: Sense of Coherence and Fortitude. These findings have implications for personnel management at institutions caring for sufferers of Alzheimer's disease.

Purpose of the study: Caring for a spouse diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease holds potentially severe negative consequences for the physical and psychological well-being of the caregiver. As it is known that the maintenance of a flexible time perspective holds benefits for individual health, the main purpose of this study was to identify and describe the changes in the time perspective of persons caring for a spouse diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Design and Methods: The SELE instrument was administered in order to shed light on the time perspective of a total of 40 participants. A criterion group design was used, and a mixed methods approach adopted during the collection and analysis of data. Results: The results of this research project highlighted the existence of a number of important differences regarding the time perspective of caregivers and non-caregivers. The time perspective of caregivers was severely affected by the caregiving situation and the accompanying grieving process. This proved to be one potential avenue through which the caregiving situation has its negative effect on caregivers’ well-being. Implications: Owing to the usually insufficient funding for the care of demented patients, research regarding the identification of potential cost-effective methods to enhance the resilience of caregivers is of the essence. Maintenance of a balanced time perspective might prove to be to the benefit of caregiver psychological well-being.

The role of the church as a supportive network: The relationship between psycho-social climate, church involvement and psychological well-being. The aim of the present study was to determine whether mere involvement in church activities is enough to perceive the church as supportive, or whether the church should possess certain qualities before it is experienced as being supportive. The concept of psycho-social climate was used as a conceptual frame of reference to study the characteristics of the church. Two hundred and fourteen members of 10 different congregations completed a battery of questionnaires designed to measure their involvement in the church, their perception of the psycho-social climate of the church and their level of psychological well-being. No relationship between church involvement and psychological well-being could be found. On the other hand the analysis of the relationship between the dimensions of church climate and psychological well-being produced a number of significant correlations. Step-wise multiple regression analysis confirmed that the psycho-social dimensions of order/clarity, social concern, stability and activity were significant predictors of level of psychological well-being. The obtained relationship was interpreted as confirmation of the impact that the psycho-social environment has on individual functioning.