Current Projects
Self Efficacy Enhancement And Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver Intervention Effectiveness
SSW Investigator(s):
Judith G. Gonyea, PhD, (Co-PI)
Major outside collaborators:
Maureen O'Connor (PI), Boston University Alzheimer's Disease
Center, Boston University School of Medicine
Funding Source:
Alzheimer's Association
Project Description:
The aim of this study is to test whether the inclusion of self
efficacy enhancement techniques based upon Bandura's four identified
techniques—mastery experience, modeling, social persuasion, and
altering emotional/somatic states—increases the effectiveness of
an Alzheimer's disease caregiver behavioral intervention focused on teaching
families skills to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms (i.e., apathy, depression,
agitation, delusions). Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design,
we will compare the relative effectiveness of the 3 manualized, 5-week
group interventions on caregivers' self-efficacy, coping strategies,
and neuropsychiatric symptom-related distress. A total of 120 Alzheimer's
disease caregivers will be randomized into: CARE-Plus (a self efficacy
enhanced behavioral intervention), CARE (a behavioral intervention),
and (3) PE (a psycho-educational group-usual care).
