OBJECTIVES: dementia caregiving often results in caregiver burden, but self-mastery may buffer against burden's negative impact. This work explores the link between these variables, examining potential moderators, through systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS: A PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Medline search in April 2024 resulted in 25 eligible studies. The Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies assessed bias risk. Meta-regression via continuous random effects model was conducted in R to examine the relationship between dementia caregiver burden and self-mastery as well as moderating variables.
RESULTS: A medium strength meta-correlation, =-.347 (95% CI: -.413, -.278, ���<���.0001) was detected. Percent of extended family caregivers (e.g. nieces, cousins, grandchildren; ��=-1.01, 95% C.I. (-1.71, -.32), ���<���.01) and percent of cases with frontotemporal dementia (��=-.67, 95% C.I. (-1.20, -.13), ���<���.05) attenuated the relationship.
CONCLUSIONS: Results may support the role of self-mastery in mitigating effects of caregiver burden, though experiences unique to extended family or frontotemporal dementia may weaken that relationship. The current review was limited by lack of diversity in potential moderator variables, pointing to needs for future research.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Findings highlight the robustness of the relationship between self-mastery and caregiver burden, possibly informing self-mastery-based interventions and helping clinicians identify and treat at-risk caregivers.
