Psychometric Evaluation of a Proposed, Alzheimer's Aggression Scale

• Main Author: Little, Kristina
• Other Authors: Wilks, Scott E.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: LSU 2011
• Subjects: Social Work
• Online Access: http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-04052011-105808/

Aggressive behavior is a common symptom of mid- to late-stage Alzheimers disease, causing unique challenges for caregivers and healthcare professionals. In previous research, aggressive behavior related to dementia was linked to higher caregiver distress and burden. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of an aggressive behavior subscale of the Revised Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist (RMBPC) among Alzheimers disease caregivers. The subscale measures the frequency of aggressive behavior and the caregivers reaction. The sample consisted of 419 caregivers reporting some frequency of aggressive behavior by the care recipient. Exploratory factor analysis was favorable. Convergent validity for the aggressive behavior subscale was established through its correlations with caregiver burden, caregiver coping style, and caregiver resilience. The association of these factors was theoretically demonstrated through the Pearlin Stress Process Model. In the current study, aggressive behavior was shown to be associated with a significant increase in caregiver burden and the use of emotion- and avoidance-focused coping techniques, and significant decrease in caregiver resilience. The scale was shown to be reliable, with significant inter-item correlations. The results concluded an aggressive behavior subscale of the RMBPC is a valid and reliable measure for Alzheimers disease caregivers.