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A note on whether spousal caregivers try to control their environment or themselves
1Health Research Center, Southern University-Baton Rouge, LA 70813, USA.
The Journal of Psychology
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Spousal caregivers often use primary control to manage behavioral issues when caring for a spouse with dementia. Many caregivers also employ a combination of primary and secondary control strategies to cope with stressful situations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Caregiving Studies
Background:
- The two-process model of control differentiates between primary and secondary control strategies.
- Primary control involves changing the environment, while secondary control involves adapting one's internal state.
- Understanding these control strategies is crucial for supporting spousal caregivers of individuals with dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the control strategies used by spousal caregivers in stressful situations involving dementia care.
- To explore the application of the two-process model of control in the context of spousal caregiving.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative approach was used, with 32 spousal caregivers describing stressful situations.
- The two-process model of control (primary and secondary control) served as the theoretical framework.
Main Results:
- Caregivers predominantly utilized primary control when dealing with behavioral problems in their spouse with dementia.
- A significant number of caregivers employed a combination of both primary and secondary control strategies.
- The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of control in dementia caregiving.
Conclusions:
- Spousal caregivers facing behavioral challenges in dementia care often exert primary control.
- The integration of primary and secondary control mechanisms is a common adaptive strategy for these caregivers.
- Further research can explore interventions to enhance both primary and secondary control skills in dementia caregivers.