Work

Dysfunctional Thoughts about Caregiving Questionnaire: psychometric properties of a new measure

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study examines the psychometric properties of the Dysfunctional Thoughts about Caregiving Questionnaire (DTCQ). METHODS: DTCQ was administered to 227 dementia family caregivers. RESULTS: Principal components analyses resulted in a two-factor solution: Perception of Sole Responsibility and Perfectionism. The DTCQ has a strong internal consistency and an adequate temporal stability. The DTCQ score differentiated between depressed and non-depressed caregivers, although only in the female group. Construct validity was also supported by significant relationships between DTCQ scores and global dysfunctional attitudes, social support, seeking social support and number of hours per day engaged in caring. The dysfunctional thoughts about caregiving specify rigid and inappropriate contingencies to guide and assess behavior while acting as cognitive barriers that make healthy care difficult. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that such dysfunctional thoughts have a significant relationship to variables identified as mediators in caregiving stress models. The DTCQ has potential uses for both research and clinical purposes.

Source: International Psychogeriatrics

DOI: 10.1017/s1041610209990366

Authors: Ignacio Montorio, Andrés Losada, María Izal, María Márquez

Institutions: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Language: English

Topic: Nursing care and research

Subfield: Research and Theory

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,500