Exploring self-compassion, coping and carer burden
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Self-compassion and coping strategies: An exploration of the relationship to burden in carers of people with dementia
IRAS ID
120849
Contact name
Joanna Lloyd
Contact email
Research summary
Exploring self-compassion, coping and carer burden
It is estimated that around 700,000 people in the UK currently have dementia. Many of these people are cared for by family or friends, saving the healthcare system time and money. However, caring for a loved one with dementia can place a significant burden on the caregiver. Some manage the stresses of the role well, whereas others struggle and this can affect their physical and psychological wellbeing (Mausbach et al, 2012).
Research into how caregivers manage the demands of their role suggests that those who use more emotion-focused coping strategies (e.g. acceptance or humour) and fewer dysfunctional coping strategies (e.g. denial) experience less depression and have higher levels of wellbeing. Therefore, investigating factors that are related to emotion-focused strategies could be beneficial to carers.
One such factor is self-compassion. This has been defined as being kind to oneself when things go wrong. Research suggests that people who are more self-compassionate tend to have higher levels of wellbeing. They also cope better with stressful experiences and in particular use more emotion-focused coping strategies and fewer dysfunctional. However, there has as yet been little research into self-compassion and carers.
This study therefore aims to investigate the relationship between self-compassion, coping strategies and carer burden. Informal carers of people with dementia will be approached through third-sector organisations and post-diagnostic support services within the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust. In order to be considered, participants must be the main carer of the person with dementia and provide five hours per week of caregiving duties.
Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires relating to the three variables and the data will be analysed using correlation and mediation analysis. It is expected that the results will be used to inform clinical practice and service provision for this vulnerable population.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0200
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion