Expressed emotion in caregivers of the dementing elderly

Abstract

This paper presents findings on the association between ‘expressed emotion’ (EE) and a number of factors previously investigated in relationship to caregivers of the dementing elderly. Frequency of critical comments (expressed emotion) was correlated with a number of supporter and dependant characteristics, variables within the relationship between caregivers and their dementing relatives, and help from professionals. The analysis revealed significant correlations between EE and sex of caregiver, caregivers' psychological well-being, contact with friends and the quality of the relationship between the caregiver and dementing relative. The dementing relatives' level of impairment, age and sex were not significantly correlated with EE, nor was help from the services. Also, those most critical of their dementing relatives were not more likely to express a preference for institutional care.