Abstract

This study was descriptive in nature, designed to identify differences in coping strategies of spouses of Alzheimer patients who are cared for at home . Data were collected using the Chronicity Impact and Coping Instrument: Spouse Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 14 subjects (3 males and 11 females) who met the criteria for the study. Subjects ranged in age from 60 to 86 years with an average age of 68.9 years. One Black and 13 Caucasians participated. To test the hypothesis, data were analyzed using percentiles. Eight coping strategies were found to be used "More often" by the participants. Males chose "Ignore/try to forget," "Hide feelings," "Smoke," and "Yell/scream/siam doors," and "Ask for help" more often than females. The females chose "Cry," "Busy self with other things," and "Exercise" more often than males. The males chose to "Get away" and "Ask for help" less often than the females. None of the participants chose "Get away more" as a coping strategy. Females chose a variety of coping strategies. Since differences in coping strategies were identified, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

7-1-1987

Publication Number

27924648

First Advisor

Dr. Mary Patricia Curtis

Second Advisor

Dr. Rayma Skinner

Third Advisor

Dr. Phyllis W. Werner

Document Type

Thesis

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