The calm in their storm : caregiver phenomenology of sensory modulation to co-regulate emotion in the care dyad : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
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Date
2023
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Massey University
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Abstract
Family caregivers have become a significant unpaid workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand, in terms of both numbers and economic contribution. Despite this, their own well-being is frequently overlooked and furthermore has the potential to diminish through the act of providing care. One of the most difficult aspects of caregiving is considered to be the management of maladaptive emotional and behavioural symptoms, and research suggests sensory reactivity may be an antecedent to these symptoms. Emotion regulation is believed to be bidirectional with extrinsic emotion regulation in children supported by parents intrinsically regulating and modelling their own emotion and responses. Parent caregivers are vulnerable to burnout which can make this more difficult. Qualitative methods were used to understand the phenomenology of sensory reactivity/management in intrinsic and extrinsic emotion regulation by 7 family caregivers. The data was analysed according to the components of the Process Model of Emotion Regulation (PMoER) (Gross, 2013) using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) Thematic Analysis. The study found the participants were acutely aware of sensory reactivity in the care-recipient, and this was interwoven with the regulation strategies underpinned by the components of the PMoER. They predominantly utilised their own research and experimentation to down regulate maladaptive responses in the care recipient and receive little formal support to inform these strategies. Furthermore, they are often instrumentalised in sensory modulation by their intuitive knowledge of the care-recipient and their physical presence. Participants found care recipients displayed fewer maladaptive emotional and behavioural symptoms in predictable, manageable environments such as the home. This contributes to social isolation, reduced ability for the caregiver to engage in respite, and for the care-recipient to participate in developmentally appropriate activities. This study draws on the experiences of a small sample, captured at a specific moment in a dynamic experience. It draws attention to issues that are worthy of closer attention to sustain the well-being of caregivers who provide a significant contribution to both their family members and the healthcare system.
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caregiver well-being, emotion regulation, emotion co-regulation, sensory modulation, burnout