Faculty Collaboration Database

Dyadic relationship scale: a measure of the impact of the provision and receipt of family care. Gerontologist 2007 Dec;47(6):741-51

Date

01/15/2008

Pubmed ID

18192628

DOI

10.1093/geront/47.6.741

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-38649140694 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   75 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Dyadic Relationship Scale (DRS), which measures negative and positive dyadic interactions from the perspective of both the patient and the family caregiver. An important aspect of evaluating the DRS was that it be statistically sound and meaningful for both members of the dyad.

DESIGN AND METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional design. Survey packages were mailed to home health care patients and their family caregivers. The unit of analysis was the dyad, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. We examined the reliability, discriminant, and concurrent validities of the instrument.

RESULTS: The data supported a two-factor DRS that included negative dyadic strain (patient alpha =.84; caregiver alpha =.89) and positive dyadic interaction (patient alpha =.86; caregiver alpha =.85). The analysis supported the DRS's construct, discriminant, and concurrent validity, as well as its reliability for both patients and family caregivers.

IMPLICATIONS: Using the DRS to measure the impact of family care on positive and negative interactions inclusive of patients and caregivers can assist in identifying areas of difficulty and guide interventions to improve outcomes for both members of the dyad.

Author List

Sebern MD, Whitlatch CJ

Author

Margaret Sebern PhD Assistant Professor in the Nursing department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Caregivers
Chronic Disease
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depression
Family Health
Female
Home Care Services
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Male
Middle Aged
Midwestern United States
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychometrics
Surveys and Questionnaires