The Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Approach-Based Psychoeducation on Caregivers of Alzheimer's Patients

The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Approach-Based Psychoeducation on Post-Traumatic Growth, Psychological Resilience, and Ruminative Thoughts in Primary Caregivers of Individuals Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and chronic neurocognitive disorder. Individuals who assume the role of primary caregivers and are responsible for meeting the care needs of the patient often develop serious health problems over time. It is particularly important to assess the psychological resilience of those who struggle to manage the caregiving process, to identify ruminative thoughts developed in response to negative experiences, and ultimately to determine the presence of post-traumatic growth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based psychoeducational interventions are highly effective in the holistic assessment and support of primary caregivers.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and chronic neurocognitive disorder characterized by the deterioration of higher-level cortical functions, leading to cognitive decline, neuropsychiatric behavioral changes, and a reduced ability to perform daily activities. As the disease progresses, patients gradually lose functional abilities, resulting in an increased demand for care. Primary caregivers, who are directly responsible for meeting these care needs, often face significant emotional, physical, social, and financial burdens. Providing long-term care to elderly individuals is a major source of chronic stress and can exceed caregivers' coping capacities. In this context, psychological resilience serves as a critical protective factor. Interventions that enhance the resilience of caregivers supporting individuals with chronic mental illness are essential for caregiver empowerment. Caregivers with low resilience are more prone to maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as ruminative thinking. Rumination can intensify psychological distress when negative thoughts interact with depressive mood states during the processing of traumatic experiences. However, not all traumatic experiences lead to negative outcomes; in some cases, individuals may grow stronger and experience positive psychological changes, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG refers to the positive transformation that can emerge from the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. The psychological toll of caregiving highlights the importance of supportive psychological interventions. Psychoeducational programs based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offer a comprehensive approach by addressing the needs of caregivers while also considering both the patients and the broader family systems. This study aims to examine the effects of CBT-based psychoeducation on post-traumatic growth, psychological resilience, and ruminative thinking among primary caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 years or older
• Willing to participate in the study
• A member of the Denizli Alzheimer Association
• At least a primary school graduate
• Able to communicate effectively
• Providing primary care to an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's for at least one year
• Providing primary care to a patient diagnosed with moderate to advanced stage Alzheimer's
• Serving as a primary caregiver for at least six months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Primary caregivers who have participated in any psychoeducation group
• Caregivers who have been diagnosed with any mental health disorder