title: Predicting anxiety in carers of people with dementia: the role of trait emotional intelligence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) is a personality dimension related to affect that has been shown to predict psychopathology. The objective of the present study was to examine the predictive validity of trait EI in explaining anxiety symptoms in family carers of people with dementia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 203 dementia family caregivers. We used the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire - Short Form (TEIQue-SF) to measure trait EI in carers. The predictive validity of the scale in explaining anxiety was tested via regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bivariate correlational analysis indicated that lower levels of trait EI were related to higher perceived burden, higher anxiety and depression, and poorer self-rated health in carers. Multiple regression analyses indicated that trait EI was a significant predictor of anxiety symptoms after accounting for known factors influencing outcomes for caregivers. Trait EI also showed strong predictive validity in relation to psychosocial outcomes in carers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Trait EI plays an important role in predicting anxiety in dementia caregivers. Theoretical models and interventions aimed at carers of people with dementia should take into account aspects of personality.
authors.affiliation: Division of Psychiatry, and Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology,University College London,UK.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weaving
authors.affiliation: Division of Psychiatry, and Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology,University College London,UK.
authors.forename: Vasiliki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Orgeta
authors.affiliation: Division of Psychiatry, and Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology,University College London,UK.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Orrell
authors.affiliation: Division of Psychiatry, and Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology,University College London,UK.
authors.forename: K V
authors.initials: KV
authors.lastname: Petrides
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D056348:Emotional Intelligence; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires