Resilience Among Direct Care Staff in Nursing Homes: Validation of the CD-RISC2

Abstract

Objectives: Caring for older adults is a demanding task. Some professionals may find themselves in complex situations for which they may not be prepared. However, the repercussions of these difficult experiences will depend on personal factors. Resilience acts as a buffer against difficulties and experiences. However, its study with first-line caregivers in nursing homes is limited. This study aimed to validate the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-2 (CD-RISC2), examine its psychometric properties, and analyze the variables associated with resilience (sociodemographic and professionals´ variables).

Methods: 312 nursing home professionals participated in the study. Besides the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-2, they answered questionnaires about good care, burnout, quality of life, person-centered care, and well-being.

Results: The CD-RISC2 showed adequate reliability and test-retest reliability. Good support was found for convergent validity with perceived health, person-directed care, personal growth, life purpose, quality of life and good care, and for discriminant validity with burnout.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study that validates the CD-RISC2 Spanish version with front-line workers in nursing homes showing adequate psychometric properties.

Clinical implications: An abbreviated, simpler, self-assessed version may be more useful than longer versions, especially with professionals with a heavy workload, such as direct care staff in nursing homes.

Keywords: Psychological strengths; formal caregivers; nursing homes; protective factors.