Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of Cognitive-Behavioral Scales in Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Caregiving can be costly to dementia caregivers' well-being. Assessing the factor structure and psychometric properties of Cognitive-Behavioral Scales in dementia caregivers is an essential step in addressing the gap in the current state of research. Specifically, it is essential to determine first whether the factorial structure of the three measures used in this study namely, the Positive Thinking Skills Scale, the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist, and the Zarit Burden Interview are good representation of the data by studying the good model fit. Next, evaluating the reliability of each factor of the three measures used are essential to learn about the precision of the factors. Lastly, it is vital to study the factor correlation and its relevance to the theory used to determine the validity of the factors. Methods: A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design in a convenience sample of 100 caregivers. Results: Results indicated that the factorial structure of the three scales is a good representation of the data; an acceptable reliability of each factor of the three measures; and the factors correlated as expected and showed their relevance to the underlying theory. Conclusions: Future studies might consider studying the mediating/moderating effects of positive thinking on carerecipients challenging behavior problems. The findings can be used as a guide to provide a positive thinking training intervention among caregivers.

Effects of Positive Thinking on Dementia Caregivers’ Burden and Care-Recipients’ Behavioral Problems

“…A detailed evaluation of the factorial structure can be seen at Bekhet and Garnier-Villarreal (2018). The theoretical measurement CFA presented good fit ( Χ 2 (969) = 1054.803, p = .028, RMSEA = 0.030 [90% CI = 0.011, 0.042], gamma-hat = 0.963, adjusted gamma-hat = 0.959), showing good absolute fit and indicating that the factorial structure was a good representation of the data.…”

“…The SEM model includes constructs for PT; caregivers’ burden, which includes embarrassment/anger (Em), patient’s dependency (Pd), and self-criticism (Sc); and a patient’s challenging behaviors, which include memory (Mem), depression (Dep), and disruption (Dis). The measurement model follows the structure established by Bekhet and Garnier-Villarreal (2018), which states a theoretically driven structure from the following scales: the PTSS, the 22-item Zarit Burden Interview, and the RMBPC. Since it has been theorized that the relations between these constructs can be explained with mediation (REFS) and moderation (REFS) models, here we evaluated both models and determined which one better described the relation for this sample.…”

“…Currently, Alzheimer’s and other dementias cost the nation approximately $290 billion annually; this number will rise to an estimated $1.1 trillion by 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). As the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, dementia also has an impact on individuals’ memory and thinking, and can eventually affect their abilities to manage daily activities (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019; Bekhet & Garnier-Villarreal, 2018; Papastavrou, Kalokerinou, Papacostas, Tsangari, & Sourtzi, 2007). Most dementia care is provided at home by family members, which can negatively impact caregivers’ physical and psychological well-being.…”