Family Dynamics and the Alzheimer’s Disease Experience

Using constructivist grounded theory, this study explored how family groups respond to Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages. Seven family units (N = 22) participated in a series of 26 longitudinal interviews and 14 other family caregivers took part in three focus groups at a later stage for refin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of family nursing 2021-05, Vol.27 (2), p.124-135
Main Authors: Esandi, Nuria, Nolan, Mike, Canga-Armayor, Navidad, Pardavila-Belio, M. Idoia, Canga-Armayor, Ana
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alzheimer's disease
Caregivers
Coping
Early intervention
Families & family life
Grounded theory
Medical diagnosis
Motivation
Nursing
Personal relationships
Verification
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Summary:Using constructivist grounded theory, this study explored how family groups respond to Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages. Seven family units (N = 22) participated in a series of 26 longitudinal interviews and 14 other family caregivers took part in three focus groups at a later stage for refinement and verification of the findings. Data analysis revealed four types of family dynamics: close dynamics at the start that were maintained throughout the experience, close dynamics at the start which became conflicting, conflicting dynamics at the start which remained problematic, and conflicting dynamic at the start which became closer over time. Factors such as prior relationships and family history, motivation to care, family organization, communication, and the family vision for future shaped the development of these dynamics. This theory of family dynamics in Alzheimer’s disease has the potential to inform the development of more adequate early interventions for families living with the illness.
ISSN:1074-8407
1552-549X
DOI:10.1177/1074840720986611