The effect of personality on the adjustment to residential care for those with dementia

Hilton, Antonia Clare

Abstract

It has been suggested that personality may affect the adjustment to residential care for those with dementia. However, many theorists have stated that personality changes due to dementia. Therefore this study investigates personality modes (namely autonomy and sociotropy) believed to be stable over time, irrespective of dementia. The personality modes are predicted to negatively affect adjusting to residential care. However the measure developed to investigate these modes (Sociotropy-Autonomy Scales) has not been validated with an older adult (dementia) population. The present aims of the study are: 1) Examine the SAS in relation to an older adult (dementia) population 2) To explore the stability of the personality modes 3) to investigate the affect of personality on adjustment to residential care.

PARTICIPANTS AND MEASURES - An interview with 63 families of residents and key-workers, was followed by a two-hour direct observation. Measures used include: SAS, CAPE-CASIBRS, BASOLL-mood, Cornell, RAID, CBS and CBOS.

RESULTS - The SAS was able to discriminate personality modes in an older adult (dementia) population. The autonomous and sociotropic modes showed stability, irrespective of dementia. There was an association found between personality modes and adjustment (in terms of problematic behaviour and mood problems).

CONCLUSION - There are aspects of personality that are unaffected by dementia and that influence the difficulty of adjusting to residential care.

Citation

Hilton, A. C. (2003). The effect of personality on the adjustment to residential care for those with dementia. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4217911

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Apr 25, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4217911
• Additional Information: Department of Psychology
• Award Date: Jul 1, 2003