Influence of Expressed Emotion on dementia sufferers’ adjustment
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The influence of relatives’ Expressed Emotion on the psychological adjustment of people recently diagnosed with dementia and their relatives’ wellbeing.
IRAS ID
116825
Contact name
Roxanne Safavi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester (Professor Nalin Thakker, Associate Vice-President Research Integrity)
Research summary
The likelihood of dementia increases with age, therefore as the aging population grows it is becoming increasingly important to explore patient-relative relationships, relative outcomes and the outcomes in persons with dementia. Expressed Emotion (EE) is a construct used to measure some key aspects of interpersonal relationships. There has been little research into the influence relatives EE has on patient outcomes, and those that have explored this have focused on patient behaviour and functioning rather than the patient’s psychological adjustment. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on the early detection and diagnosis of dementia, in order to ensure patients and relatives access the necessary support and gain help in coming to terms with the diagnosis and prognosis. However there has been little research into relatives EE and patients with a recent diagnosis of dementia.
This longitudinal study aims to explore the influences of relatives EE on psychological adjustment in patients with a recent diagnosis of dementia, and wellbeing in relatives. The study will also look at the moderating role of relative burden and relationship quality on patients’ psychological adjustment.
Eligible patients must have a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, and the capacity to consent to the study. They must be living with, or having regular contact with their primary relative (i.e. 10 hours per week). They must be known to dementia services. Eligible relatives must be a primary relative to a patient with a recent diagnosis of dementia, known to services in the North West. They must be able to consent to the study.
Relative and patient measures will be completed at baseline. Patient measures will also be completed 6 months after baseline. The measures include an interview (lasting about 90 minutes) and a series of questionnaires. The study is being completed for a PhD due for completion in September 2018.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0836
Date of REC Opinion
11 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion