Perspectives of people with dementias: Experiencing and managing shame
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Perspectives of people with dementias: Experiencing and managing shame
IRAS ID
146318
Contact name
Hannah Aldridge
Contact email
Research summary
The project aims to deepen our understanding of what experiences of shame can be like for people with dementia. Previous studies have highlighted that people with dementia often have difficulty with shame-related feelings including self-criticism, guilt and embarrassment. Exploration of experiences where people with dementia have felt shame, can be used in conjunction with the application of psychological models of shame to improve our understanding of the processes involved in these experiences. This understanding can be used to help prevent, reduce, and manage experiences of shame for people with dementia. Six to fifteen participants within the mild stage of dementia who have experienced shame in relation to their dementia will be recruited. Participants will be included if they are able to give informed consent and have insight into their memory difficulties. Participants will be included if they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, vascular or mixed dementia for at least two months. Participants will be excluded if they have a mental health problem that significantly impact upon their functioning. Semi-structured interviews will be used to collect information about how the participants have experienced shame related to their dementia. Each interview will follow a process of beginning with broad questions about the participant's experiences of having a dementia, and then focus in on experiences where the participant talks about shame related feelings. Interviews will take place within the participant’s homes or clinic location. Interviews will last approximately 1 hour and be audio-recorded. Analysis of interviews will be based on the IPA procedure outlined by Smith, Flowers, and Larkin (2009). The steps involve the close analysis of transcripts, the researcher’s interpretation of the meaning of participants’ experiences, and the development of a structure illustrating the relationships between themes. Credibility checks, including a reflective essay and supervision, will ensure trustworthiness within the research.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0647
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion