Role captivity: A concept of constraining dimensions in dementia care

The aim of this paper is to explore the appropriateness of applying the constraining aspects of the concept of "role captivity" to the experience of the caregiver of a person with dementia. Background literature was explored using the definitions of captivity in general along with an overview of zoo animals and humans involuntarily incarcerated or in kidnap/hostage situations.

Defining attributes, a general definition based on the literature review, antecedents and consequences, and empirical referents are presented using the Walker and Avant concept analysis method. A model, related, and contrary case are presented to further elucidate the concept of role captivity related to caregivers.

Two conclusions are proffered supporting the use of this concept to describe persons in specific roles and the benefit of using the idea of role captivity to describe caregivers of persons with disruptive behaviors due to physical and mental illnesses.

Recommendations include decreasing psychological distress and depression by moving toward a more positive view of the caregiver experience and studying socialization and technology innovations to decrease the feelings of inevitability, isolation, and loss of control in caregivers of person with dementia.