Impact of a psychoeducational intervention on caregiver response to behavioral problems
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Linda A Gerdner1, Kathleen C Buckwalter, David Reed
1School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 6-101 Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. gerdn001@umn.edu
Background:
Eighty percent of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders are cared for by family members who often lack adequate support and training for this all-consuming job.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy of a longitudinal, multisite, community-based intervention designed to teach home caregivers to manage behavioral problems in persons with Alzheimer's disease.
Methods:
Usable data were analyzed from 237 caregiver/care recipient dyads (n = 132 Experimental; n = 105 Comparison). The experimental group received a psychoeducational nursing intervention that was conceptually grounded in the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold model (Hall & Buckwalter, 1987). The comparison group received routine information and referrals for case management, community-based services, and support groups. Although a variety of psychosocial outcomes were compared between caregivers in the two groups, this article focuses on frequency and response to behavioral problems and functional decline.
Results:
The Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold intervention had a statistically significant effect on spousal response to memory/behavioral problems (p <.01) for all caregivers and on response to activities of daily living problems (p <.01) for spousal caregivers. In addition, nonspouses in the experimental group reported a reduction in the frequency of memory/behavioral problems (p <.01). No intervention effect on reports of activities of daily living frequencies was found for either spouses or nonspouses.
Conclusions:
This Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold-based intervention had a positive impact on both the frequency of and response to problem behaviors among spousal caregivers.
Related Concept Videos
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...