The influence of relatives’ expressed emotion on psychological wellbeing in persons with dementia

Abstract

Background: Expressed Emotion (EE) refers to a number of key aspects of interpersonal relationships. Relatives’ EE has been shown to significantly predict illness outcomes in people with health conditions, but relatively few studies have focussed on wellbeing as an outcome. This longitudinal study will test the hypothesis that people recently diagnosed with dementia who have high-EE relatives will experience lower wellbeing than people with low-EE relatives. We expect this association to be greater in patients whose relatives experience higher burden and lower wellbeing, and where relationship quality is low. Methods: Sixty patients who have been diagnosed with dementia within the past 24 months and who live with, or have regular contact with their relative, will be recruited, along with their relatives. Data will be collected at baseline and 6 months later. Patients will complete measures of wellbeing, relationships and quality of life. Relatives’ EE will be coded from the Camberwell Family Interview at baseline and relatives will complete measures of wellbeing, burden and relationships at both time points. Regression analysis will be used to predict patient wellbeing on the basis of relatives EE and relationship variables. Expected results: See background/hypothesis. Current stage: 30 dyads have been recruited to the study to date and have completed baseline measures. 6 dyads have completed the 6 month follow up. Implications: It is anticipated the finding will provide insight into relative-patient relationships and outcomes, which will be used to develop interventions to improve these factors and the quality of life for relatives and patients.