scholarly journals Death Anxiety, Depression, and Coping in Family Caregivers

Author(s):  
Veronica Semenova ◽  
Leann Stadtlander

Along with the increase in elderly patients with chronic and disabling conditions, the number of family caregivers continues to rise. Caregiving has been associated with negative physical and psychological impact on the caregivers’ health, as well as, with higher prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and a higher risk of mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine if death anxiety would be a significant predictor of depression and coping in the sample of adult family caregivers of adult patients. Participants were 46 family caregivers recruited through caregiver websites. Participants completed the Revised Collett–Lester Fear of Death and Dying Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale–Revised, the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis identified significant relationships between death anxiety, depression, coping, and duration of caregiver experience. The findings of this study provide medical practitioners and psychologists with enhanced knowledge, facilitating development of interventions to help family caregivers deal with death anxiety and achieving efficient coping.

2004 ◽  
Vol 94 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1212-1214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed M. Abdel-Khalek

A sample of 75 (16 men, and 59 women) Kuwaiti college students responded to Templer's and Collett-Lester Death Anxiety Scales, Templer, et al.'s Death Depression Scale and Abdel-Khalek's Death Obsession Scale. A general high-loaded factor of death distress was extracted using the total scores. However, in using the Collett-Lester four subscales, the Fear of Death and Dying of Others loaded on a second factor.


Author(s):  
Rebecca Pentith ◽  
Samantha Louise Moss ◽  
Kevin Lamb ◽  
Carmel Edwards

This study investigated the prevalence of perfectionism among young female competitive Irish dancers and examined the relationships between perfectionistic tendencies and coping strategies used when experiencing injury. Sixty-eight female dancers (Mean age: 14 ± 2.3 years) completed the Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire and provided a record of injuries incurred during their championship careers. Participants reported 189 injuries, mostly involving the lower extremities. Seventy-nine percent of dancers reported perfectionistic tendencies (mixed perfectionism 40%, pure self-oriented perfectionism 29%, pure socially prescribed perfectionism 10%), and most frequently adopted “planful problem-solving,” “seeking social support,” “distancing,” and “self-controlling” strategies to cope with injury. Perfectionism and two coping strategies were found to be significantly related (p = 0.03); “planful problem-solving” was typically used “quite a bit or a great deal” by the mixed perfectionism group, but only “somewhat” by the non-perfectionism group, whereas “confrontive coping” was typically not used by the non-perfectionism group but was used “somewhat” by the mixed perfectionism group. Given the presence of such a large degree of perfectionism and the simultaneous employment of problem- and emotion-focused strategies when coping with injuries, it is suggested that medical practitioners acknowledge such tendencies when supporting their dancers in order to reduce the likelihood of negative psychological impact.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1280
Author(s):  
Badr K. Aldhmadi ◽  
Ramaiah Itumalla ◽  
Rakesh Kumar ◽  
Bilesha Perera

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) outbreak has had a profound psychological impact on university undergraduates. Feelings, behavioral actions, and depressive symptoms related to COVID-19 in undergraduates in Hail, Saudi Arabia, were assessed using an online survey. Eighteen feelings and six behavioral acts were assessed. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptomatology. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression techniques were used. The mean age of the participants (n = 418) was 20.2 years (standard deviation (SD) = 1.8 years), and 52.9% (n = 221) were males. Elevated levels of depressive symptoms were reported by 47.1% of male and 51.3% of female participants. Social isolation, loss of interest, obsessive monitoring of symptoms, concentration difficulties, recurrent negative thoughts, and worries about health services emerged as vital negative feelings related to COVID-19 that were expressed by the participants. Younger age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.636, confidence interval (CI) = 0.428–0.946) and coming from the middle-income category (OR = 0.388, CI = 0.151–0.994) were found to be protective factors against developing depressive symptoms. Frequent cleaning of hands, wearing masks when going out, and adherence to social distancing rules were practiced by 71.5% (95% CI = 67.2%–75.8%), 78.7% (95% CI = (74.4%–82.5%) and 66.0% (95% CI = (61.3%–70.5%) of the participants, respectively. These behavioral acts were not associated with the development of depressive symptoms. Although the practice of COVID-19 precautionary measures by the participants was satisfactory, nearly half of the participants reported depressive symptoms. Innovative educational strategies are needed to curb concentration difficulties and social isolation experienced by undergraduates during outbreaks such as COVID-19.


2006 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed N. Al-Sabwah ◽  
Ahmed M. Abdel-Khalek

The aim of the present study was to determine the change in death distress (anxiety, depression, and obsession) among four cross-sectional samples during four years of academic study in two Arabic woman nursing colleges ( N = 570). The Templer's Death Anxiety Scale, the Arabic Scale of Death Anxiety, the Death Depression Scale-Revised, and the Death Obsession Scale were administered to students in small group sessions. It was found that the only significant difference was between freshmen and sophomores on death obsession. We tend to consider this single difference as negligible. In general, the differences between the four groups on the three scales of death anxiety and death depression were not significant. That is, no significant change in mean scores on these scales had happened over time, as a result of shifting from theoretical study courses to practical ones, including dealing with the terminally-ill patients. The main aspect to elucidate this finding was the insufficient number and hours of practicum courses in general and, in particular, the experience to deal with the critical patients was not sufficient.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 267
Author(s):  
Hardik R. Patel ◽  
Kalapi Patel ◽  
Mansi Patel ◽  
S. N. Gupta ◽  
Janmejay Patel ◽  
...  

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Epidemiological studies of Indian population show that dementia, anxiety, and depression are largely a major hidden problem in India. Ayurveda claims several plants are beneficial in cognitive disorders<span lang="EN-IN">. </span>The prime objective of study was to clinically evaluate polyherbal formulation (Dr. Brain syrup) and compare it with the Placebo. It was randomized, placebo controlled, single blinded clinical study, approved by Institutional Human Ethics Committee.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 60 outpatients from P. D. Patel Ayurveda Hospital (8-70 years) ready to sign Informed consent form were included in study. All these patients were given either Placebo syrup or Dr. Brain syrup at similar dose of 10 ml twice a day for 6 weeks. They were evaluated based on the HADS (hospital anxiety depression scale), EDQ (early dementia questionnaire) and symptoms assessment parameters on weekly basis<span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Result showed that there was significant reduction in HADS score at the end of the study. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity of the HADS was observed highly relevant to detect the level of anxiety and depression by obtaining ROC curve. Numerical analysis of the EDQ was also shown eye-catching differences in patient receiving Dr. Brain syrup improved their memory at the end of the study compared to placebo group.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study prooves the efficacy and safety of the Dr. Brain syrup in improving the memory and reducing the level of anxiety and depression in particular diseased patients without any side effects.</p><p> </p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 233372141770373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula W. Rushton ◽  
Delphine Labbé ◽  
Louise Demers ◽  
William C. Miller ◽  
William B. Mortenson ◽  
...  

Objective: In this study, we aimed to describe the burden of family caregivers providing powered wheelchair-related and overall assistance and test the hypotheses that caregiver burden correlates with participation, wheelchair skills capacity, anxiety, depression, and social support. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Participants included 35 family caregivers of powered wheelchair users. Caregivers were assessed using the Power Mobility Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measure, Late Life Disability Instrument, Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire for caregivers, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List–12. Results: The most burdensome powered wheelchair assistance items were providing verbal hints/directions, needing to be nearby, anxiety, and fear that user may be harmed. The most burdensome overall assistance item was feeling limited in recreational/leisure activities. Caregiver burden was significantly correlated with participation limitations, anxiety, depression, and social support. Discussion: Caregivers experience burden for wheelchair-related and overall help, especially psychological burden. Such results have implications for the type of resources required to support family caregivers.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 1953-1961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Chen Lin ◽  
Chia-Fen Tsai ◽  
Shuu-Jiun Wang ◽  
Jeng-Ping Hwang ◽  
Jong-Ling Fuh

ABSTRACTBackground: The caregiver burden on foreign paid caregivers (FPCs) is currently not well understood. This study identified predictors and differences in caregiver burden between FPCs and family caregivers who provided care for patients with dementia.Methods: We recruited 489 patients with dementia (diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition) and used the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale to assess their neuropsychiatric behavioral problems and severity of dementia. All caregivers [FPCs (n = 42) and family caregivers with (n = 42) and without (n = 447) FPCs] completed three questionnaires: the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D), and caregivers’ knowledge of dementia (KD). To understand caregiver burden, we analyzed the correlations between ZBI and other variables and investigated the differences between family caregivers and FPCs.Results: NPI and CDR scores were higher among patients assisted by FPCs than among those whose families did not employ FPCs. Burdens were greater among family caregivers assisted by FPCs than among FPCs and family caregivers who were not assisted by FPCs. Family caregivers had greater knowledge of dementia than did FPCs. For family caregivers, CES-D scores (Spearman's r = 0.650; p < 0.01) and patients’ NPI scores (Spearman's r = 0.471; p < 0.01) were correlated with caregiver burden. For FPCs, only CES-D scores (Spearman's r = 0.511; p < 0.01) were correlated with caregiver burden. A linear regression model showed that CES-D scores contributed most to caregiver burden in all groups [β = 0.560 (family caregivers without FPCs), 0.546 (family caregivers with FPCs), and 0.583 (FPCs); p < 0.005].Conclusion: Both family caregivers and FPCs need emotional support. Adequate treatment to reduce the neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with dementia might reduce the burden on family caregivers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 1119-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangbo Ying ◽  
Philip Yap ◽  
Mihir Gandhi ◽  
Tau Ming Liew

ABSTRACTBackground:Dementia caregiving is often stressful and depression in family caregivers is not uncommon. As caregiver depression can have significant effects, there is a need for preventive efforts which are consistent with the extensive literature. We sought to consolidate the wide range of evidence (using a multi-method approach) into a simple framework that can guide the prevention of caregiver depression.Methods:Using multiple logistic regression, we derived the predictors of caregiver depression from an empirical dataset containing key information and depression scores (based on the Center-for-Epidemiological-Studies-Depression-Scale) of 394 family caregivers. We then chose an underpinning theory as the foundation of the framework, and conducted an umbrella systematic review to find possible links between the derived predictors and the theory. Last, we compared the iterated framework with known interventions for caregiver depression in recent literature to assess whether the framework could map meaningfully with the known interventions.Results:Significant predictors of caregiver depression included primary caregiver (odds ratio, OR = 1.53), severe dementia (OR = 1.40), and behavioral problems (OR = 3.23), lower education (OR = 1.77), and spousal caregivers (OR = 1.98). The integrated framework derived focuses on four strategic areas: physical-care demands of persons with dementia (PWD), behavioral problems of PWD, caregiving competency, and loss and grief of caregivers. This framework is supported by known interventions for caregiver depression in recent literature.Conclusions:By consolidating a broad range of evidence, we iterated a framework to aid the understanding and prevention of caregiver depression in dementia. The framework offers an approach to prevention which is simple, systematic, and reflective of the extensive literature.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Javier Rodríguez Árbol ◽  
Alberto Ruiz-Osta ◽  
Casandra Isabel Montoro Aguilar

The objective of the present study was to explore possible changes in the psychological wellbeing of young healthy students during the initial 14 days of the COVID-19 general lockdown that occurred in March of 2020, and if there was any relation with specific personality traits (neuroticism, psychoticism, and extraversion), cognitive styles (internal and external locus of control and intolerance of uncertainty), and coping strategies. One hundred twenty-two university students aged from 18 to 29 years participated in the study. The dispositional factors were assessed at the beginning of the study, while measures of psychological adjustment (anxiety, depression, and self-perceived health) were taken in three different assessment stages, employing validated questionnaires and scales. Anxiety and depression scores significantly increased after one week of lockdown, reaching a plateau pattern by the second week. The levels of self-perceived mental health, vitality, and quality of life showed a pattern of sustained progressive decrease, with a more acute lessening during the first week. Neuroticism, intolerance of uncertainty, and negative autofocus were associated to worse levels of psychological adjustment. These individual differences might be taken into consideration when designing prevention programs aiming to dampen the psychological impact of a general lockdown in healthy population.


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