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Couples constructing their experiences of dementia: A relational perspective
Kimberley Merrick1, Paul M Camic2, Margaret O'Shaughnessy3
1Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK.
Dementia (London, England)
|January 2, 2014
Summary
This study explored how couples navigate dementia, finding they actively construct meaning and adapt to the condition. Understanding this relational perspective can improve dementia care and support services.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Spousal caregivers are prevalent in dementia care.
- Dementia significantly impacts couple dynamics and relationships.
- A relational perspective is crucial for understanding the lived experience of dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relational experience of couples where one partner has dementia.
- To understand how couples make sense of and adjust to dementia within their relationship.
- To inform dementia care services by incorporating a relational viewpoint.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving seven couples with one partner diagnosed with dementia.
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather in-depth experiences.
- Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Five master themes emerged, illustrating couples' sense-making processes.
- Couples actively construct their experience of dementia to achieve understanding.
- Identified processes demonstrate how couples adjust to living with dementia.
Conclusions:
- A relational perspective offers valuable insights into the dementia experience.
- Services and interventions can be enhanced by considering couple dynamics.
- Supporting the couple as a unit is essential for effective dementia care.
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