Journal Facts

Journal
International Journal of Self-Help and Self-Care
ISSN
1091-2851 (print) 1541-4450 (electronic)
Volume
4
Issue
1-2
Date
1/1/2005

Article Facts

Title
Positioning in a Support Group for Spouses of Persons with Dementia
DOI
10.2190/SH.4.1-2.i
Authors
  • Mindi Ann Golden
  • Dale A. Lund
Pages
121-136
Online Date
06/13/2008

Article Links

Positioning in a Support Group for Spouses of Persons with Dementia

Mindi Ann Golden
Dale A. Lund

DOI: 10.2190/SH.4.1-2.i

Abstract

The overwhelming nature of caregiving for a person with dementia leads many caregivers to join a support group. Support group conversations shape how members understand their circumstances and themselves. Patterns of support group conversations may facilitate ways of thinking of oneself as a caregiver that ease negative impacts of caregiving. Guided by positioning theory, this participant observation case study examines how spouse caregivers of persons with dementia are positioned in patterns of support group conversations. Five patterns of conversations are identified—change, continuity, negative impacts, management, and caring for oneself. Through these five patterns of conversations, dementing spouses and their caregivers are constructed as objective/subjective dualities. The implications of this duality for caregivers and support groups are discussed.

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