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. 2013 Apr;25(3):493-509.
doi: 10.1177/0898264313477133. Epub 2013 Feb 20.

Association between anticipatory grief and problem solving among family caregivers of persons with cognitive impairment

Nicole R Fowler  1 , Alexandra S Hansen, Amber E Barnato, Linda Garand
Affiliations

Association between anticipatory grief and problem solving among family caregivers of persons with cognitive impairment

Nicole R Fowler et al. J Aging Health. 2013 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: Measure perceived involvement in medical decision making and determine if anticipatory grief is associated with problem solving among family caregivers of older adults with cognitive impairment.

Method: Retrospective analysis of baseline data from a caregiver intervention (n = 73). Multivariable regression models testing the association between caregivers' anticipatory grief, measured by the Anticipatory Grief Scale (AGS), with problem-solving abilities, measured by the social problem solving inventory-revised: short form (SPSI-R: S).

Results: 47/73 (64%) of caregivers reported involvement in medical decision making. Mean AGS was 70.1 (± 14.8) and mean SPSI-R: S was 107.2 (± 11.6). Higher AGS scores were associated with lower positive problem orientation (p = .041) and higher negative problem orientation scores (p = .001) but not other components of problem solving-rational problem solving, avoidance style, and impulsivity/carelessness style.

Discussion: Higher anticipatory grief among family caregivers impaired problem solving, which could have negative consequences for their medical decision making responsibilities.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The authors declared no potential conflict of interest with respect to authorship, research, and/or publication of this article.

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