This review identifies evidence-based psychological treatments (EBTs) for reducing distress, and improving well-being, of family members caring for an older relative with significant cognitive and/or physical impairment. Three categories of psychologically derived treatments met EBT criteria: psychoeducational programs (N = 14 studies), psychotherapy (N = 3 studies), and multicomponent interventions (N = 2 studies). Specifically, support within the psychoeducational category was found for skill-training programs focused on behavior management, depression management, and anger management and for the progressively lowered threshold model. Within the psychotherapy category, cognitive-behavioral therapy enjoys strong empirical support. Within the multicomponent category, programs using a combination of at least 2 distinct theoretical approaches (e.g., individual counseling and support group attendance) were also found to be effective. Suggestions for future research include the development of more well-integrated multicomponent approaches, greater inclusion of ethnically diverse family caregivers in research protocols, and greater incorporation of new technologies for treatment delivery.

Evidence-based psychological treatments for distress in family caregivers of older adults.

This meta-analysis of 260 independent samples assessed the effects of diversity training on 4 training outcomes over time and across characteristics of training context, design, and participants. Models from the training literature and psychological theory on diversity were used to generate theory-driven predictions. The results revealed an overall effect size (Hedges g) of .38 with the largest effect being for reactions to training and cognitive learning; smaller effects were found for behavioral and attitudinal/affective learning. Whereas the effects of diversity training on reactions and attitudinal/affective learning decayed over time, training effects on cognitive learning remained stable and even increased in some cases. While many of the diversity training programs fell short in demonstrating effectiveness on some training characteristics, our analysis does reveal that successful diversity training occurs. The positive effects of diversity training were greater when training was complemented by other diversity initiatives, targeted to both awareness and skills development, and conducted over a significant period of time. The proportion of women in a training group was associated with more favorable reactions to diversity training. Implications for policy and directions for future research on diversity training are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

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A meta-analytical integration of over 40 years of research on diversity training evaluation.

In a review of 58 articles published between 1984 and 2008, this article synthesizes the recent state of social research on older lesbian, gay male, and bisexual adults in order to summarize existing knowledge about these groups, to guide future research on aging, and to identify the substantive issues affecting their lives Based on a life-course perspective, the primary research domains identified include the interplay of lives and historical times and linked and interdependent lives After reviewing the literature in each of these areas, the article presents an examination of the strengths and limitations of the body of knowledge and an outline of a blueprint for future research

/pdf/aging-and-sexual-orientation-a-25-year-review-of-the-44wbevli0h.pdf

Aging and Sexual Orientation: A 25-Year Review of the Literature

The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community. Types of participants Adult caregivers who provide support for people with dementia living in the community (non-institutional care). Types of interventions Interventions designed to support caregivers in their role such as skills training, education to assist in caring for a person living with dementia and support groups/programs. Interventions of formal approaches to care designed to support caregivers in their role, care planning, case management and specially designated members of the healthcare team – for example dementia nurse specialist or volunteers trained in caring for someone with dementia. Types of studies This review considered any meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised control trials, quasi-experimental studies, cohort studies, case control studies and observational studies without control groups that addressed the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community. Search strategy The search sought to identify published studies from 2000 to 2005 through the use of electronic databases. Only studies in English were considered for inclusion. The initial search was conducted of the databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsychINFO using search strategies adapted from the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group. A second more extensive search was then conducted using the appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords for other available databases. Finally, hand searching of reference lists of articles retrieved and of core dementia, geriatric and psycho geriatric journals was undertaken. Assessment of quality Methodological quality of each of the articles was assessed by two independent reviewers using appraisal checklist developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and based on the work of the Cochrane Collaboration and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Data collection and analysis Standardised mean differences or weighted mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each included study reported in the meta-analysis. Results from comparable groups of studies were pooled in statistical meta-analysis using Review Manager Software from the Cochrane Collaboration. Heterogeneity between combined studies was tested using standard chi-square test. Where statistical pooling was not appropriate or possible, the findings are summarised in narrative form. Results A comprehensive search of relevant databases, hand searching and cross referencing found 685 articles that were assessed for relevance to the review. Eighty-five papers appeared to meet the inclusion criteria based on title and abstract, and the full paper was retrieved. Of the 85 full papers reviewed, 40 were accepted for inclusion, three were systematic reviews, three were meta-analysis, and the remaining 34 were randomised controlled trials. For the randomised controlled trials that were able to be included in a meta-analysis, standardised mean differences or weighted mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each. Results from comparable groups of studies were pooled in statistical meta-analysis using Review Manager Software and heterogeneity between combined studies was assessed by using the chi-square test. Where statistical pooling was not appropriate or possible, the findings are summarised in narrative form. The results are discussed in two main sections. Firstly it was possible to assess the effectiveness of different types of caregiver interventions on the outcome categories of depression, health, subjective well-being, self-efficacy and burden. Secondly, results are reported by main outcome category. For each of these sections, meta-analysis was conducted where it was possible; otherwise, a narrative summary describes the findings. Effectiveness of intervention type Four categories of intervention were included in the review – psycho-educational, support, multi-component and other. Psycho-educational Thirteen studies used psycho-educational interventions, and all but one showed positive results across a range of outcomes. Eight studies were entered in a meta-analysis. No significant impact of psycho-educational interventions was found for the outcome categories of subjective well-being, self-efficacy or health. However, small but significant results were found for the categories of depression and burden. Support Seven studies discussed support only interventions and two of these showed significant results. These two studies were suitable for meta-analysis and demonstrated a small but significant improvement on caregiver burden. Multi-component Twelve of the studies report multi-component interventions and 10 of these report significant outcomes across a broad range of outcome measures including self-efficacy, depression, subjective well-being and burden. Unfortunately because of the heterogeneity of study designs and outcome measures, no meta-analysis was possible. Other interventions Other interventions included the use of exercise or nutrition which resulted in improvements in psychological distress and health benefits. Case management and a computer aided support intervention provided mixed results. One cognitive behavioural therapy study reported a reduction in anxiety and positive impacts on patient behaviour. Effectiveness of interventions using specific outcome categories In addition to analysis by type of intervention it was possible to analyse results based on some outcome categories that were used across the studies. In particular the impact of interventions on caregiver depression was available for meta-analysis from eight studies. This indicated that multi-component and psycho-educational interventions showed a small but significant positive effect on caregiver depression. Five studies using the outcome category of caregiver burden were entered into a meta-analysis and findings indicated that there were no significant effects of any of interventions. No meta-analysis was possible for the outcome categories of health, self-efficacy or subjective well-being. Implications for practice From this review there is evidence to support the use of well-designed psycho-educational or multi-component interventions for caregivers of people with dementia who live in the community. Factors that appear to positively contribute to effective interventions are those which: • Provide opportunities within the intervention for the person with dementia as well as the caregiver to be involved • Encourage active participation in educational interventions for caregivers • Offer individualised programs rather than group sessions • Provide information on an ongoing basis, with specific information about services and coaching regarding their new role • Target the care recipient particularly by reduction in behaviours Factors which do not appear to have benefit in interventions are those which: • Simply refer caregivers to support groups • Only provide self help materials • Only offer peer support

Effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to support people with dementia living in the community : a systematic review

The number of U.S. students studying abroad has been growing, particularly those participating in short-term trips. However, literature on the effect of these short-term trips is lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess quantitatively the effect on bachelor students' cross-cultural adaptability using a pre-post design. Significant changes were found on all subscales as well as on the total score, thus supporting the use of these short-term trips for this purpose.

Effect of Short-Term Study Abroad Programs on Students' Cultural Adaptability

In a pilot study, a population of gay and lesbian elders were surveyed to determine what types of long term plans they have made in preparation for their old age, what types of information they feel service providers need to know to better meet their long-term needs, and what is their perception of aging. The results of this pilot study demonstrated that almost three-fourths of the total sample have started to make plans for growing old. The respondents reported that social workers needed to be more knowledgeable about gay lifestyles and the importance of their partners. It was also found that the views of aging became more positive as the gay and lesbian individuals grow older.

A Pilot Study About the Needs of Older Gays and Lesbians: What Social Workers Need to Know

The purpose of this study was to discover if short-term study abroad trips produce the same changes in students that have been documented in long-term study abroad trips. The study was conducted with current and past participants of a short-term study abroad trip to Ireland from a small liberal arts school. Quantitative and qualitative assessment tools were used to address the question. Results found that change was supported by the qualitative, but not the quantitative, assessment. Students reported the trip increased their cross-cultural awareness and their interest in a long-term study abroad experience. As these results support the hypothesis that short-term study abroad experiences have a positive effect on students' growth, it is important that programs develop and facilitate such opportunities for their students. Not only will this improve the global awareness and cultural competence of participants, but it will increase participation in long-term study abroad programs.

The Effect of a Short-Term Study Abroad Class on Students' Cross-Cultural Awareness

This article reports the results of a series of focus groups conducted about males who provide care to females with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Male caregiver's coping skills, unique needs, role deve...

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/153331759901400504

Male caregivers: Preparing men for nurturing roles:

In this qualitative study, 18 sons were interviewed about the factors that led them to assume the role of primary caregiver for a parent with progressive memory loss, such as Alzheimer's disease, a...

Perceptions of Caregiving Role by Son's Caring for a Parent with Alzheimer's Disease

Individuals with Alzheimer 's disease are often caredfor at home by informal caregivers. Males make up one-quarter of these caregivers, yet little attention has been given to them as family care pr...

Peggy L. McFarland

Papers

A Pilot Study About the Needs of Older Gays and Lesbians: What Social Workers Need to Know

The Effect of a Short-Term Study Abroad Class on Students' Cross-Cultural Awareness

Male caregivers: Preparing men for nurturing roles:

Perceptions of Caregiving Role by Son's Caring for a Parent with Alzheimer's Disease

Educational support groups for male caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease