The impact of mindfulness on relationship quality and life satisfaction in family caregivers of individuals with dementia

Dementia is a serious neuro-degenerative disease that affects nearly 35 million people worldwide, including family caregivers. With this number rising steadily, family caregivers are significantly impacted by the role-related financial, physical, emotional and relational stressors, or caregiver burden. Few studies have addressed the impact on relationship between family caregiver and their loved one with dementia, although there is evidence to suggest relationship quality is associated with reduced caregiver burden. Mindfulness is an effective practice for reducing stress and increasing psychological wellbeing. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest mindfulness, as a coping strategy, can improve relational style. This study's purpose was to examine whether mindfulness, when present in family caregivers of individuals with dementia, contributes to a decrease in perceived caregiving burden, by increasing relationship quality. It was hypothesized that increased mindfulness would predict improved relationship quality and life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling was used to assess these variables in forty-nine family caregivers. Mindfulness significantly predicted increased relational support and depth, and decreased relational conflict and life satisfaction. These results are discussed in light of previous research. In conclusion, mindfulness may be an effective intervention for improving the relationship quality between caregivers and family members with dementia. Further research is needed to assess the impact improved relationship quality has on caregiver burden and other aspects of caregivers' lives.