Latent profiles of psychological distress among former Alzheimer’s caregivers
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Full list of poster authors
- Kristin Corey Magan PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC
- Karen B. Hirschman PhD, MSW
- Liming Huang PhD, MS
- Salimah H. Meghani PhD, MBE, RN, FAAN
Conference where poster was previously displayed
ENRS, 2025
Poster abstract
Background/purpose
Of nearly 11 million caregivers (CGs) of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia (ADRD) in the U.S., 40% reported depression during the caregiving episode. Many former ADRD CGs experience ongoing symptoms of psychological distress following the death of the care recipient, despite the end of caregiving responsibilities. However, the risk factors for psychological distress following a caregiving episode are unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify unique subgroups of former ADRD CGs according to sociodemographic characteristics and psychological distress following the death of the care recipient.
Theoretical framework
This study was guided by Lazarus’ transactional stress theory, which depicts psychological distress as a long-term sequela of chronic stress and dysfunctional coping.
Methods
In this cross-sectional, exploratory study, a test sample (N=166) of former ADRD CGs completed a 147-item online survey containing a demographic questionnaire and 6 standardized instruments. Latent profile analyses were conducted to establish CG profiles according to sociodemographic characteristics, personality traits, coping strategies, length of bereavement, guilt, depression history, care recipient nursing home placement, sleep quality, and psychological distress (depressive and anxiety symptoms). The profiles were then validated by performing latent profile analyses on an existing validation sample (N=171).
Results
In both the test and validation samples, a 3-profile model demonstrated the lowest BIC value and highest entropy value. Three profiles of CGs were classified as asymptomatic (no psychological distress), borderline symptomatic (depressive and anxiety symptoms were just above established cut-off scores), or distressed (high scores for depressive and anxiety symptoms). In both samples, CGs in the distressed profile were characterized by poor sleep quality, neuroticism, and dysfunctional coping.
Conclusion/implications
The results of this study suggested that personality traits and coping style are relevant risk factors for post-caregiving psychological distress. Future research should inform the development of risk assessment tools to promote depression screening and early intervention.