THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG DEPRESSIVE COGNITIONS, RESOURCEFULNESS, AND SLEEP QUALITY IN INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract

Background: Family or informal caregivers always provide support to their family members or others who are diagnosed with dementia. The increase in the aging population has led to a growing reliance on family members, often informal caregivers, who are increasingly responsible for providing care for older adults. Poor sleep and high levels of depressive cognition experienced by caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) can negatively affect their physical and psychological health, which can lead to declining caregiver health, which can diminish their ability to provide optimal care. Currently, there are limited empirical studies supporting the usefulness of non-pharmacological sleep interventions to improve the quality of sleep in caregivers of PWD. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships among depressive cognitions, resourcefulness, and sleep quality of caregivers of PWD in the United States. The study examined whether resourcefulness mediated the relationship between depressive cognitions and quality of sleep. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was used with 77 informal caregivers (primary caregivers who are currently providing direct care/supervision for at least 4 hours per day) for individuals with dementia for at least six months, recruited online using advertisements on social media. Linear regression and multiple regression were used to address the research questions and to test the mediation impact of resourcefulness. Results: Depressive cognitions was a significant factor predicting resourcefulness and sleep quality. However, resourcefulness was not found to be a significant factor in predicting sleep quality. Additionally, the effect of depressive cognitions on sleep quality was not found to be mediated by resourcefulness. The caregivers of PWD in this study exhibited a higher level of depressive cognitions, poorer sleep quality, and a moderate need for learning resourcefulness skills. Implications: The findings emphasized the importance of evaluating depressive cognitions, resourcefulness, and sleep in caregivers of PWD to maintain their psychological and physical well-being. Additionally, further exploration of xi resourcefulness and sleep quality would benefit from utilizing different sleep quality measures and a different way of conceptualizing quality of life.