Psychoeducational intervention on dysfunctional thoughts and problem solving skills of dementia family caregivers

Resumen

INTRODUCCIÓN: Dysfunctional thoughts are quite frequent among caregivers and negatively influencecare.OBJETIVOS: To analyze the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention carried out to reducedysfunctional thoughts related to the care and to improve problem-solving skills of dementia familycaregivers.METODOLOGÍA: 15 Family caregivers of people with dementia from the city of Salamanca (Spain)participated in the intervention. Of these, 7 were offspring (4 daughters and 3 sons) and 8 spouses (4 wivesand 4 husbands). The intervention consisted of eight group-based sessions. The Dysfunctional ThoughtsAbout Caregiving Questionnaire and The Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised: Short Form (SPSI-R:S)were completed both pre and post treatment.RESULTADOS: Significant differences pre-post intervention were found both in dysfunctional thoughts(t=4,688, p-value=0.000) Of the group and in problem-solving skills (t=-4.413, P-value=0.001). In addition,the reliable change index was identified to determine the effectiveness of the intervention in each caregiver.In dysfunctional thoughts, a clinically reliable change was observed in 33% of the participants and anindeterminate change with a positive trend in 67% (0% showed a clinically reliable deterioration). Inproblem-solving skills, 73% showed a clinically reliable change, 20% an indeterminate change (2 caregiverswith a positive trend and one with a negative trend), and 7% a clinically reliable deterioration.CONCLUSIÓN: This psychoeducational intervention seems to be an effective treatment for familycaregivers of people with dementia in the constructs evaluated. The decrease in dysfunctional thoughts relatedto care and the increase of problem-solving skills are important elements for the improvement of thecaregiver´s situation.