Conflict in Alzheimer's caregiving families: its dimensions and consequences

Abstract

This paper views conflict in Alzheimer's caregiving families as a multidimensional construct. Three conceptually distinct dimensions of family conflict are described and examined in relation to depression and anger. Regression analyses indicate that conflicts involving family members' attitudes and actions toward the caregiver are associated with increased risk for depression among caregivers, whereas conflicts stemming from family members' attitudes and behaviors toward the patient are most likely to result in anger. Self-concepts and normative expectations are implicated as key explanatory variables.