Group multi-component programme based on cognitive behavioural therapy and positive psychology for family caregivers of people with dementia: a randomised controlled study (3C study)

Abstract

Background: Caregivers of people with dementia frequently experience an elevated level of psychological distress and burden. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a group-format multi-component programme which is based on cognitive behavioural therapy and positive psychology.

Methods: Family caregivers of dementia were allocated (1:1) to the intervention group and the wait-list control group, stratified by age (<65 years, ≥65 years) and care status (at home or in an institution). The intervention group received a six-session, 10-week, group-format programme. The primary outcome was the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Secondary outcomes were the short-version of the Zarit Burden Interview (personal strain and role strain), Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire, Dementia Caregiver Positive Feeling Scale, and Self-Compassionate Reactions Inventory. The evaluations were conducted at baseline, 10 weeks (post-intervention), and 14 weeks (follow-up).

Results: The analyses were performed with 64 registered participants. In the whole sample, no significant effect was observed on HADS. There was medium effect on role strain (P = 0.04, partial η² = 0.08). Positive feelings of caregiving increased after the intervention but were not maintained at follow-up. In the subgroup analysis of caregivers under 65 years of age, a statistically significant effect was observed for personal strain (P = 0.03, partial η² = 0.16). An interaction effect was also found for the total score of positive feelings of caregiving (P < 0.05, partial η² = 0.02) and the meaning of caregiving (P = 0.02, partial η² = 0.10).

Conclusions: This programme did not show significant improvement in depression and anxiety of caregivers of dementia; however, it reduced the burden of their role conflict (role strain) and yielded favourable short-term effects on the positive feelings and the meaning of caregiving among the participants. Also, the programme effectively reduced the personal strain of caregivers under 65 years.

Keywords: burden; cognitive behavioural therapy; dementia; family caregiver; group therapy; positive psychology.