Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

William Tetu

Abstract

AbstractMany individuals who are diagnosed with some form of dementia are cared for by informal caregivers. Past research has indicated many of the caregivers have potential for encountering caregiver distress leading to physical and mental health deterioration. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact perceived social support may have on anxiety among the informal caregivers. Using the transactional model of stress and coping, this quantitative study examined the relationship between perceived emotional/informational social support, instrumental social support, gender, and anxiety among informal caregivers caring for individuals diagnosed with dementia. A correlational research design and the multiple linear regression analysis method was used in this study. Informal caregivers of individuals diagnosed with dementia were selected to participate in this study. Findings showed perceived emotional/informational social support [Beta=.026, t = .499, p = .619], and instrumental social support [Beta = .057, t = 1.224, p = .224], and gender [Beta = -.016, t = -.196, p = .845] were not significant predictors of anxiety. The Pearson correlation was assessed to examine the difference in anxiety between male and female informal caregivers. The gender of the informal caregiver was not found to be significantly related to anxiety, p = .515. The findings from this study can aid in the development of community-based resources and communication material that can beneficial for informal caregivers when they take on the role of providing full time care for someone diagnosed with dementia. This may help decrease the rise of caregiver burden and burnout from caregiving.

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