The role of modulating variables in caregivers¿ distress (el papel de las variables moduladoras en el malestar del cuidador)

摘要: Drawing on the stress and coping model (eg, Haley et al., 1987), the aim of this doctoral thesis has been to analyze, cross-sectional and longitudinally, the role of different modulating variables on dementia caregivers¿ distress. With these objectives, four different studies have been conducted, and, although they are presented independently, the obtained results may be considered jointly in the discussion. First, in order to provide a common framework for the four studies, a general introduction, based on caregiving literature review, is presented. Second, the general purpose of this research is described, followed by the specific objetives of each of the studies. Third, the main methodological characteristics of the studies are presented. Then, each of the independent studies is presented, with their own introduction, method, data analysis, results and discussion sections. Finally, a general discussion and the main conclusions of the obtained results are described. Participants in this research consisted of family caregivers of persons with dementia, who were recruited through different Social Services and Day Care centers from Madrid. Face to face interviews were conducted, assessing the following variables: stressors (frequency of behavioral problems, functional capacity, burden), resources (selfefficacy domains, motives for caring, emotional regulation strategies, rumination and cognitive reappraisal, and frequency and satisfaction with behavioral activation) and health outcomes (depression, anxiety, anger, and perceived physical health).