Caregivers' appraisals of efficacy in coping with dementia

This study investigated the types, prevalence, and stability of appraisals of coping efficacy made by 87 family caregivers of persons with dementia. With the use of content analysis, 12 efficacy appraisals were identified that reflected caregivers' perceptions of progress in problem-solving, regulating emotional distress, protecting self-esteem, managing social interactions, and self-development. Most appraisal types showed variability across 2 time points, which suggests that appraisals reflect changing person-environment transactions. Five of the appraisals-namely, nonefficacious coping outcomes, no coping options, no control, an improved ability to cope, and means/ends insights-were prospectively related to distress and well-being. The findings suggest that a broad set of goals guides coping efforts in the context of chronic stress.