title: Benefits of a poetry writing intervention for family caregivers of elders with dementia.
abstract: This pilot clinical trial tested effectiveness of a poetry writing intervention for family caregivers of elders with dementia. This paper presents findings from a larger study using mixed methods to examine outcome variables of self-transcendence, resilience, depressive symptoms, and subjective caregiver burden. Findings reported here focus on qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews conducted with participants following their poetry writing experience. A grounded theory approach was used. Themes that arose from the data support a mid-range theory of self-affirmation in caregivers with subthemes of achievement, catharsis, greater acceptance, empathy, self-awareness, reflection, creative and fun, positive challenge, and helping others.
authors.affiliation: The University of Akron College of Nursing, Akron, Ohio 44325-3701, USA. kidd@uakron.edu
authors.forename: Lori I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Kidd
authors.forename: Jaclene A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Zauszniewski
authors.forename: Diana L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Morris
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011037:Poetry as Topic; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014956:Writing