Bittersweet : experiences of forgiveness in caring for a family member with dementia : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

Dementia is a syndrome characterised by cognitive decline and a growing public health concern, the impacts of which are felt in relationships, as cognitive changes impair a person’s capacity for independent and social interaction, thus altering behaviour. Although as many as 75 percent of persons with dementia are cared for by a family member, very little is known about the experiences of those who provide this care. Even less is known about positive experiences of family caregivers, and how they adapt and cope with the challenges inherent in dementia care. This study explored the lived experience of forgiveness when caring for a Family Member with Dementia (FMwD). This study utilised podcast interviews with 27 caregivers for a FMwD who discussed experiences of forgiveness. Episodes were transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Caregivers described their experience of being called up to care for a FMwD who had harmed them in the past, of the challenges and benefits of seeking to forgive themselves for perceived inadequacies in their provision of care, and of managing dementia-related and social challenges for which they felt they could not attribute individual blame and thus, did not require forgiveness. Findings suggest that caring for a FMwD can create unique opportunities for forgiveness which may not have been possible prior to neurocognitive decline. Overall, these findings illuminated forgiveness as only one of many positive consequences of caring for a FMwD, all of which are woven throughout this rich experience. These findings contribute to the small body of literature exploring the experiences of caregivers for a FMwD and emphasise forgiveness as a strengths-based method of adaptive coping, which can benefit caregivers and care-receivers alike.