Influential factors of spousal relationship quality in couples living with dementia - A narrative synthesis systematic review
PhD candidate, Kristi Stedje, undertook a narrative synthesis systematic review with the support of the Homeside team. This review identified influential factors of relationship quality, in couples living with dementia. The results were published open access in the peer-reviewed journal Dementia: International Journal of Social Research and Practice on November 1st, 2022.
Title: Influential factors of spousal relationship quality in couples living with dementia - A narrative synthesis systematic review.
Abstract
Aim
The aim of this systematic review is to identify factors that influence relationship quality in couples living with dementia. Previous research has shown how maintaining a positive spousal relationship quality is important for quality of life and coping for both the caregiver and the person with dementia. Knowledge of influential factors could contribute to a deeper understanding of the value of a couple-centred clinical practice and research, within the field of dementia.
Research design and methods
Systematic procedures to database search, screening, data extraction and synthesis were followed. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies were included. A narrative synthesis was conducted through narrative summaries of included studies, thematic analysis and narrative descriptions of factors influencing relationship quality.
Results
39 studies were included in the study: 28 qualitative, 8 quantitative and 3 mixed methods. Through the narrative synthesis, 20 factors were identified. The factors were grouped into two overarching themes: The world of us and The world outside of us, and further to six influencing factor categories: (1) Attitudes and strategies, (2) Behaviour and activities, (3) Emotional connectedness, (4) Activities and experiences outside of the home, (5) Social behaviour and roles, and (6) Belonging and safety.
Discussion and conclusion
The identified factors influence relationship quality in couples living with dementia on various levels. The findings of this review study should inform clinical, couple-centred dementia care practise and intervention studies, and further research should seek to gain deeper understandings of the individual factors and broader understandings of the correlations between factors.
Authors: Kristi Stedje, Tone Kvamme, Kjersti Johansson, Karette Stensæth, Helen Odell-Miller, Anna Bukowska, Jeanette Tamplin, Thomas Wosch And Felicity Anne Baker.