Sense of coherence, burden, and affective symptoms in family carers of people with dementia

Abstract

Carers reporting high levels of anxiety and depression are more likely to report low levels of sense of coherence. The relationship between stress related to caregiving and depressive symptoms is mediated by carers' self-reported sense of coherence. Future psychotherapeutic intervention studies in family carers of people with dementia may incorporate strategies that specifically target sense of coherence.

Is sense of coherence helpful in coping with caregiver burden for dementia?

“…To our knowledge, four studies have examined SOC among caregivers for individuals with dementia . In 2008, Andrén and Elmståhl revealed that caregivers with a lower caregiver burden had significantly higher SOC scores than those with a higher burden.…”

“…Furthermore, Orgeta and Sterzo reported that caregivers with a low SOC are more likely to report high levels of depression and anxiety. They emphasized the need to for psychotherapeutic interventions that target the enhancement of SOC for familial caregivers of people with dementia . In a randomized controlled trial, Langeland et al .…”

“…Among caregivers for terminally ill cancer patients, but not for dementia patients, a strong SOC has been shown to mediate the effects of caregiving stressors, appraisals of caregiving confidence, and subjective caregiving burden on caregivers' depressive distress . It is believed that those with a strong SOC are better able to cope with difficult situations as caregivers, which can have a positive impact on dementia patients …”

Resilience in family caregiving for people with dementia: A systematic review

“…Carers' perceived control of a stressful situation was found to significantly impact on carers' burden and depressive symptoms . One study reported a significant negative correlation between sense of coherence and carer outcomes, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Välimäki and colleagues reported that higher levels of depression predicted a decreased sense of coherence over time.…”

Impact of an Individualized Physical Activity Intervention on Improving Mental Health Outcomes in Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Objective burden assesses both negative and upsetting experiences while subjective burden focuses on perceptions of distress over particular experiences. Burden may affect how caregivers interact with others, as well as other roles they assume outside their home [8]. Caregiver burden has been associated with poorer mental health and worse physical health outcomes; and where caregiver’s mental health declines, it may result in their relative’s self-neglect and diminished quality of care [9].…”