Resilience in people with dementia and their caregivers

• Main Author: Conway, Lucy Kathryn
• Other Authors: Wolverson, Emma ; Clarke, Chris
• Published: University of Hull 2018
• Subjects: Clinical psychology
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.762106

This portfolio thesis consists of three parts: a systematic literature review, an empirical paper and appendices relating to both research projects. The first section is a systematic literature review which aimed to synthesise research into resilience in relation to people living with dementia, caregivers and dementia dyads to understand the factors which maintain resilience and the extent to which a dyadic perspective is taken. Ten papers met the inclusion criteria and were synthesised using narrative synthesis, with findings categorised into individual, community and social resources. The findings suggest that people living with dementia and their caregivers utilise resources in order to maintain their resilience; however, research has failed to consider the dyadic perspective. The findings from the review are discussed in relation to the wider context of literature, with implications for future research discussed. The empirical research aimed to develop a theory and understanding of shared resilience between people with dementia and their spouses. The research aimed to develop a definition of resilience, understand what helps couples to develop and maintain their resilience, as well as consider the impact that resilience has on their relationship and well-being. The research used a qualitative Constructivist Grounded Theory approach interviewing 12 couples. Findings indicate that resilience was understood as continuing with a ‘normal’ life and that a couple’s relationship and shared sense of resilience was essential to continue with a ‘normal’ life. The findings from the review are discussed in relation to the wider context of literature, with implications for future research discussed. The importance of dyadic research within dementia is emphasised and the significance of the relationship in living well.