Browsing by Author "Simpson, Gaynell M."

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    Examining pathways of the caregiver burden - health relationship in family caregivers of elderly veterans: the importance of caregiver self-efficacy and social support
    (University of Alabama Libraries, 2018) Scicolone, Monica Alexandra; Parmelee, Patricia A.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    The current study examines the constructs of caregiver burden, self-efficacy, perceived social support, and well-being (physical health and depression) in caregivers of veterans to obtain a better understanding of their interrelationships among this unique population of family caregivers. Much of the literature on family caregivers identifies relationships between burden and both physical and mental health. For informal, untrained, family caregivers, perceived capability in caring for a loved one can strongly affect health outcomes. Additionally, as family caregivers have unique added stressors and vulnerabilities, perceived social support is an important component that impacts the burden-wellbeing relationship. Although there is a substantial amount of research on these important constructs of caregiving (burden, self-efficacy, social support), few studies have examined how these three constructs specifically work together to influence caregiver physical and mental health. Analyses confirmed three hypotheses: burden significantly predicts depression, self-efficacy mediates the relationship between burden and depression, and this mediating effect is solely driven by self-soothing self-efficacy, as compared to instrumental and relational self-efficacy. Analyses for the moderated mediation model disconfirm both hypotheses that perceived social support moderates associations of burden and self-efficacy, and burden on depression.
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    Grandparent caregivers: factors contributing to their experience of life satisfaction
    (University of Alabama Libraries, 2016) Coleman-Reed, Freda Veronica; Nelson-Gardell, Debra M.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    Globally, the number of grandparents providing primary, custodial, or co-parenting for biological and legal grandchildren has grown progressively. Often time examination of grandparent caregiving occurs through the lens of burden and deleterious familial, psychological, and medical outcomes. The present cross-sectional research study is a preliminarily exploration of factors that promote grandparent experience of positive life satisfaction. Bivariate research findings supported an association between grandparent caregivers’ experience of positive life satisfaction and reported resources (rs(94) = .51; p =.000), choice to parent (rs(94) = .26; p =.006), and spirituality (rs(94) = .214; p =.019. Because life satisfaction scores were reversed, the outcome indicated higher life satisfaction is associated with higher reported resources, choice to parent, spirituality, and parental stress. Social support (r(94) = .093; p =.375) and parental stress (r(94) = .181; p =.081) did not demonstrate significant relationships. Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) found reported resources (β = .45) and choice to parent (β = .21) were the strongest predictors of grandparent caregivers’ positive life satisfaction (F(2, 91) = 26.54, p < .001). However, MRA with caregiver satisfaction interaction terms did not contribute significantly to the model (F(2, 91) = 26.54, p < .001). Study findings evidenced grandparent caregivers experienced positive life satisfaction when they engage in spiritual practices; perceive reduced stress, choice in parenting, adequate personal, social, and familial resources to meet life demands. Implications for social work practice, policy, and research are offered that build on grandparent caregivers’ adaptability, capabilities, and strengths rather than deficits.
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    Support groups for Alzheimer's caregivers: Creating our own space in uncertain times
    (Routledge, 2018) Simpson, Gaynell M.; Stansbury, Kim; Wilks, Scott E.; Pressley, Tracy; Parker, Michael; McDougall, Graham J., Jr.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa; North Carolina State University; Louisiana State University; Florida State University
    Older men are often excluded from family caregiving research despite the steady increase in the number of husbands assuming primary caregiving roles. We explored perceptions of older, male caregivers' experiences with caring for a wife with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and examined what aspects of the support group were beneficial. Our qualitative research methods invited six caregivers ranging in age from 74 to 85 years to narratively construct their perspectives on caring for their wives with Alzheimer's Disease and benefits of participation in an all-male support group. Thematic analyses revealed caregivers faced several transitions. "Losses related to their personal relationships with their wife, family, and self," captured as loss of golden years. The second area, benefits and improvements of support groups, were captured in the following theme: "creating our own space," which included two sub-themes: "releasing our frustration" and "developing coping strategies." There was also "Gendered experience of caregiving." This study revealed that male caregivers benefited from the support and company of other men in similar caregiving situations. Results from this study have implications for health care professionals for the development of psychosocial educational groups aimed at providing support to male caregivers.