Through the eyes of others - The social experiences of people with dementia: A systematic literature review and synthesis

Patterson, Kirsty M.; Clarke, Chris; Wolverson, Emma L.; Moniz-Cook, Esme D.; Patterson, Kirsty; Clarke, Christopher; Wolverson, Emma; Moniz-Cook, Esme

Abstract

Psychosocial models suggest that the lived experience of dementia is affected by interpersonal factors such as the ways in which others view, talk about, and behave toward the person with dementia. This review aimed to illuminate how informal, everyday interpersonal relationships are experienced by people with dementia within their social contexts. A systematic review of qualitative literature published between 1989 and May 2016 was conducted, utilizing the electronic databases PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL-Complete. This was followed by a critical interpretative synthesis to understand how people with dementia perceive the attitudes, views, and reactions of other people toward them, and the subjective impact that these have. Four major themes were derived from the findings of the 23 included studies: being treated as an “other” rather than “one of us”; being treated as “lesser” rather than a full, valued member of society; the impact of others’ responses; and strategies to manage the responses of others. Thus, people with dementia can feel outcast and relegated, or indeed feel included and valued by others. These experiences impact upon emotional and psychological well-being, and are actively interpreted and managed by people with dementia. Experiences such as loss and diminishing identity have previously been understood as a direct result of dementia, with little consideration of interpersonal influences. This review notes that people with dementia actively engage with others, whose responses can foster or undermine social well-being. This dynamic relational aspect may contribute to emerging understandings of social health in dementia.

Citation

Patterson, K. M., Clarke, C., Wolverson, E. L., Moniz-Cook, E. D., Patterson, K., Clarke, C., Wolverson, E., & Moniz-Cook, E. (2018). Through the eyes of others - The social experiences of people with dementia: A systematic literature review and synthesis. International Psychogeriatrics, 30(6), 791-805. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610216002374

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Jan 17, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Jan 26, 2017
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: Feb 16, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 16, 2017
• Journal: International psychogeriatrics
• Print ISSN: 1041-6102
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 791-805
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610216002374
• Keywords: Gerontology; Clinical Psychology; Geriatrics and Gerontology; Psychiatry and Mental health
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/448446
• Publisher URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-psychogeriatrics/article/div-classtitlethrough-the-eyes-of-others-the-social-experiences-of-people-with-dementia-a-systematic-literature-review-and-synthesisdiv/DF458F6AA81C2A265C017584EC7DB876
• Additional Information: This article has been published in a revised form in International psychogeriatrics, http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1041610216002374 . This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © copyright holder.
• Contract Date: Feb 16, 2017