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American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias logoLink to American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
. 2003 Sep-Oct;18(5):291–299. doi: 10.1177/153331750301800507

Measuring and enhancing self-efficacy among professional caregivers of individuals with dementia

Corey S Mackenzie 1, Gina Peragine 2
PMCID: PMC10833900  PMID: 14569646

Abstract

Nurses who provide care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are at risk of burnout. Self-efficacy is a psychological construct with the potential to help reduce or prevent the impact of caregiver stress. Evidence supporting a link between higher levels of self-efficacy and lower levels of stress is emerging among lay caregivers. However, concurrent research for professional caregivers lags behind, partly due to a lack of appropriate self-efficacy measures for this population. We developed an intervention to enhance self-efficacy and an inventory to measure its improvements among long-term care nurses. Training resulted in lasting improvements in knowledge and selfefficacy regarding the management of challenging team, resident, and family situations. Short-term reductions in caregiver burnout were also evident. Suggestions for maintaining improvements in caregiver burnout over longer periods are offered.

Keywords: burnout, professional; self-efficacy; dementia; training

Full Text

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Contributor Information

Corey S. Mackenzie, Department of Psychology, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, Ontario.

Gina Peragine, Division of Nursing, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, Ontario.

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