Do changes in coping style explain the effectiveness of interventions for psychological morbidity in family carers of people with dementia? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Contrary to our hypothesis, dysfunctional coping increased when carer depressive symptoms improved. There was preliminary evidence that emotional support and acceptance-based coping increased, as positive coping increased although solution-focused coping alone did not. More research is needed to elucidate whether successful interventions work through changing coping strategies immediately and in the longer term.

Living with a partner with dementia: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of spouses' lived experiences of changes in their everyday lives

“…Worldwide, a multisector approach that targets the needs and perspectives of persons with dementia and their relatives has been prioritised (Sundheds-og AEldreministeriet [The Ministry of Health], 2016; World health Organization, 2012). Interventions that are aimed at caregivers predominantly focus on education programmes, including the provision of coping and support strategies and selfmanagement support (Dam, De Vugt, Klinkenberg, Verhey, & Van Boxtel, 2016;Gilhooly et al, 2016;Huis in het Veld, Verkaik, Mistiaen, van Meijel, & Francke, 2015;Jensen, Agbata, Canavan, & McCarthy, 2015;Letts et al, 2011;Li, Cooper, Austin, & Livingston, 2013;Vandepitte et al, 2016).…”

“…Coping strategy interventions are efficacious in decreasing depression, but are followed by an increase in dysfunctional coping immediately after the interventions have ended (Li et al, 2013). A review of social support interventions showed no positive effects in quantitative studies; however, qualitative studies showed that spouses felt more emotionally supported and less socially isolated (Dam et al, 2016).…”

Predictive Factors for the Uptake of Coping Strategies by Spousal Dementia Caregivers

“…15 Moreover, a meta-analysis of group interventions aimed at dementia caregivers' coping strategies found caregivers' depression reduced, despite use of dysfunctional coping strategies increasing. 16 Limitations Conclusions from the current review are limited by the absence of "predictive" factors using Wolfs et al's 21 criteria. Moreover, factors were inconsistently reported by the reviewed studies and, when investigated, were inconsistently analyzed in relation to coping strategies.…”

“…12 Identification of factors that reliably predict uptake of caregiver coping strategies is essential, because coping strategies, unlike factors such as sex and age, can be targeted for change. [13][14][15][16] Interventions that target caregiver coping strategies have the potential to improve caregiver well-being and, in the long term, reduce stress on public health services. 15 Although it would be advantageous to understand the factors that predict uptake of coping strategies, no review has yet explored this relationship among dementia caregivers.…”

Burden Among Male Alzheimer’s Caregivers

“…7 Although some evidence supporting the use of the engagement and disengagement model of coping among dementia caregivers exists (see refs [9][10][11] ), 3 factor models similar to the one proposed by Endler and Parker 4 have also been utilized in recent research and meta-analyses of coping among dementia caregivers. [12][13][14][15] The comparison of differing coping theories was beyond the scope of the current study; therefore, this study used the 3-factor model proposed by Endler and Parker. 4 Task-focused coping strategies include assessing challenges and problem solving to alleviate stress.…”