Design: A comparative design using correlation coefficients and analysis of variance was used to determine relationships and strength of the variables of concern.

Concepts or Variables: The strength of hope stategies, finding meaning strategies, coping strategies and sense of coherence outcome were examined to find which variables (strategies)were useful in caregiver replenishing situations.

Population, Sample and Setting: The participants were 140 family caregivers who were actively engaged in caregiving in their homes. They were recruited from caregiver training sessions throughout rural Oklahoma.

Methods: Instruments used were the Herth Hope Index, Finding Meaning Through Caregiving Scale, Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Descriptive data was also gathered. The strength and degree of associations was measured at the conclusion of training and again at 3 months post training.

Findings: Results indicated that the training strategies for Finding Meaning in one's caregiving had a significant relationship to sense of coherence outcome. Strategies maintained over time were also finding meaning and spiritual connectness.

Conclusions: Strategies for caregiver training based on finding positive attributes in the caregiving situation was significant. Positive strategies were maintained over time. Enhancing the repertoire of positive strengths through interactive sessions was important in maintaining strategies over time.

Implications: Interventions derived from a strengths based theoretical model are useful in caregiver support training. Reinforcing positive aspects of caregiving help caregivers to sustain in their role of in-home caregiving.

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Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004