title: Alzheimer's disease caregiving information and skills, part III: group process issues and concerns.
abstract: In this descriptive study we examined content and processes in a group-based component of an ongoing clinical trial with family caregivers of persons with dementia. The purpose was to identify issues arising from the group processes that could be used to inform future skill-building caregiver groups. Summaries from two types of intervention groups, a caregiver skill-building (CSB) treatment intervention and an information and support only (ISO) control intervention were examined, along with data collected during a group leader debriefing session. Three major categories of process information were identified: (a) group member behaviors that support group processes necessary for skill development, (b) group leader behaviors that support group processes necessary for skill development, and (c) the phases of learning in caregiver (CG) skill development. Subcategories and specific content in each of these areas are identified in this article, and a list of member and leader behaviors that might support future skill development in groups is presented.
authors.affiliation: Rush University College of Nursing, 600 South Paulina Street, AAC 1080, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Perraud
authors.forename: Carol J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Farran
authors.forename: Dimitra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Loukissa
authors.forename: Olimpia
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Paun
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000451:nursing*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D007858:Learning; D008875:Middle Aged; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012919:Social Behavior