The Relationship between Perceived Caring Self - Efficacy and Caring Behaviors Among Caregivers of Persons with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Abstract

The purposes of this descriptive research were to describe the level of perceived caring self-efficacy and caring behaviors of caregivers of persons with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and to examine the relationship between perceived caring self-efficacy and caring behaviors among caregivers of persons with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The subjects were selected using purposive sampling and comprised 123 caregivers of persons with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The tools consisted of three parts: Part 1 general data form, part 2 perceived caring self-efficacy questionnaire, and part 3 caring behaviors questionnaire. Content validity was tested by three experts. Parts 2 and 3 of the questionnaire were tested for their reliability. Cronbach' s alpha coefficients of parts 2  and 3 were .92 and .96 respectively. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The relationship between perceived caring self-efficacy and caring behaviors among caregivers of persons with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia was analyzed using Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient.       The results of this study were as follows: Overall perceived caring self-efficacy was at a high level (M = 2.37, SD = 0.45). Overall caring behaviors were at a high level (M = 2.34, SD = 0.38). There was a significant moderate positive relationship between perceived caring self-efficacy and caring behaviors (r = .66, p <.01)

The results of this study could be used in planning for activities that promote self-efficacy and caring behaviors of caregivers, in particular when applied in the management of patients self-harm behavior and in caring for memory rehabilitation