Cognitive processing, resilience, and family functioning as contributors to posttraumatic growth in family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract

Objectives: The present study examined the existence of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and its association with cognitive processing, resilience, and family functioning in family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Method: Family caregivers (N = 114) were surveyed using measures of cognitive processing, resilience, family functioning, and PTG. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression analyses.

Results: The average PTG score in the sample was 48.6 (SD = 18.7; range 14-105). Race, education level, severity of the patient's AD, cognitive processing, resilience, and family functioning explained 25.8% of the variance in PTG (F [9, 95] = 5.025, p < 0.001). Race was significantly correlated with PTG; specifically, non-White caregivers reported higher PTG than White caregivers (p < 0.05). When controlling for race and education level, mild AD, intrusive rumination, and family satisfaction were significant predictors of PTG (p < 0.05). However, deliberate rumination, resilience, and family communication were not significant predictors PTG (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: These findings provide insight into factors that may influence the development of PTG in family caregivers of patients with AD. Results may inform intervention strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of caregiving and promote PTG in this caregiver population.