Caring for a spouse with dementia : a literature review and exploratory study of carers' experience of their marital relationship

This thesis comprises three main sections. The first is a literature review on
the influence of marital relationship on the experience of spouse carers of
people with dementia. Due to methodological weaknesses findings need to be
interpreted with caution, however, the research suggests that positive premorbid
and concurrent relationships are indicative of greater wellbeing in
spouse carers, and also that dementia impacts negatively on marital
relationship. Implications for clinical practice and ideas for future research are
explored.
Section Two is a report on a study exploring spouse carers' experience of their
marital relationship whilst caring for a husband or wife with severe dementia.
Ten spouse carers (six wives and four husbands) of people suffering from
severe dementia participated in a semi-structured interview which was
transcribed and analysed in accordance with Interpretative Phenomenological
Analysis (IPA) methodology. Five interrelated processes with 19 sub-themes
were identified; Establishing connections and forming a lasting relationship,
Experiencing dementia as a threat to the relationship, Attempting to maintain
the existence of a relationship, Desire to care and Experiencing the impact of
caring on wellbeing. Implications for clinical practice and further research are
discussed.The third section provides a critical appraisal of the research process and
includes an exposition of key lessons learnt, future Continuing Professional
Development needs and personal reflections on future functioning as a
researcher within the role of a Clinical Psychologist.