Table 2.

The five core themes of attributions toward changes in social activity

Overarching themes		Specific subthemes
Carer factors	Carer beliefs	Difficulty finding time
		Not wanting to burden patient with their own concerns
	Patient beliefs	Belief that carer would worry about their ability to be independent
Patient factors	Carer beliefs	That patient makes excuses for avoiding social situations
	Patient beliefs	Embarrassment at social faux-pas
		Inability to keep track of conversations with other
External factors	Carer and patient beliefs	Reduced social network due to bereavement or isolation
Physical health	Carer and patient beliefs	Age-related frailty or specific physical illness
Dementia	Carer beliefs	Dementia diagnosis allowed access to support services
	Patient beliefs	Insight into condition increased acceptance of social limitations
		Inhibited by stigma of dementia