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Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the correlates of caregiver stress in a large sample of young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Two main objectives were to: (1) disentangle the effects of behaviour problems and level of functioning on caregiver stress; and (2) measure the stability of behaviour problems and caregiver stress. Methods: Parents or teachers of 293 young people with ASDs completed measures of stress, behaviour problems and social competence. Parents also completed an adaptive behaviour scale. Eighty-one young people were rated twice at a 1-year interval. Results: Parents and teachers did not perfectly agree on the nature and severity of behaviour problems. However, both sets of ratings indicated that behaviour problems were strongly associated with stress. Conduct problems in particular were significant predictors of stress. Adaptive skills were not significantly associated with caregiver stress. Parental reports of behaviour problems and stress were quite stable over the 1-year interval, much more so than teacher reports. Parent ratings suggested that behaviour problems and stress exacerbated each other over time. This transactional model did not fit the teacher data. Conclusion: Results of this study suggested that it is a specific group of externalized behaviours that are the most strongly associated with both parent and teacher stress. Results were discussed from methodological and conceptual perspectives.

Many dedicated foster caregivers form a strong attachment to the children in their care, leaving them emotionally at-risk for when a child is removed from the home (e.g. displacement, reunification). The grief they experience when a child leaves may influence their other relationships (e.g. couple relationship). Survey data were collected from a statewide random sample of foster caregivers. The final sample included foster caregivers who had experienced the removal of a foster child from their home within the previous 12 months of participating in the study (n = 56). A moderated mediation analysis was conducted to determine the associations between dedication to fostering, grief, couple relationship quality, and relationship efficacy. Findings suggest that highly dedicated foster caregivers are more likely to experience higher levels of grief after a child leaves their home, which is negatively associated with their couple relationship quality. However, relationship efficacy was found to buffer these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To demonstrate the power of integrating three theoretical perspectives (Mentalization Theory, Perceptual Control Theory and the Communicative Impact model), which jointly illuminate the communication challenges and opportunities faced by family carers of people with dementia. To point the way to how this framework informs the design and delivery of carer communication and interaction training. Method: Conceptual synthesis based on a narrative review of relevant literature, supported by examples of family carers. Results: We use the conceptual models to show how the capacity to mentalize ("holding mind in mind") offers a greater sense of control over internal and external conflicts, with the result that they can be deescalated in pursuit of mutual goals. Conclusions: The integrative conceptual framework presented here highlights specific psychological and relational mechanisms that can be targeted through carer training to enhance communication with a person living with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Care staff are an important source of information and support for people with intellectual disabilities following bereavement. The purpose of this study was to explore staff perceptions of service users’ conceptualizations of death, reactions to bereavement, required levels of support and staff confidence in providing post-bereavement support. Method Forty-two staff rated individuals with intellectual disabilities with whom they worked on a regular basis. Results In general, staff believed that service users had a good concept of death, though staff tended to overestimate levels of understanding and possibly underestimate the potential for dysfunctional behaviour post-bereavement. Although staff expressed confidence in their ability to recognize grief symptoms, they were less confident in their ability to provide post-bereavement support. Conclusions The overall picture was positive with good agreement between staff, though ensuring that staff consider the potential for psychopathology following bereavement is important in providing support. The implications for staff training and post-bereavement support are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]