Self-efficacy in dementia care staff: Experiences from the care home context

Perceived self-efficacy is proposed to impact on the psychological health of dementia care staff. The current study adopted a qualitative methodology to increase understanding of the experiences of self-efficacious care assistants. Purposive sampling identified eight care assistants with high levels of self-efficacy. Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four themes captured experiences of 'feeling torn' between competing demands when providing care; a sense of 'togetherness and connection', included sub-themes of support, closeness and the value of engaging; 'emotional attunement' to resident's needs, including reciprocity of emotion, personal perspective-taking and empathy as guides to care. The final theme, 'caring as a part of life', described interest, motivation and accepting attitudes as well as caring being part of carers' identity. The themes highlight how staff might manage the dilemmas they face and emphasize important areas for care staff training as well as further research.