In contrast, couples engaged in negative conjoint DC through mutual avoidance, leading to increased negative communication and conflict. Specifically, couples enacted positive conjoint DC by approaching challenges using a teamwork approach to problem solving and relying on collaborative communication. Data supported the 5 a priori DC themes and novel subthemes describing couples’ experiences with YOD. Results A total of 23 couples were interviewed, comprising persons with dementia (11 women mean age, 61.3 years mean time from diagnosis, 3.11 ) years and spousal caregivers (13 women mean age, 60.5 years). Within each theme, subthemes were inductively identified to further characterize couples’ dyadic coping experiences with YOD. Main Outcomes and Measures Five themes were deductively derived based on the integrated DC framework, including stress communication, positive individual DC, positive conjoint DC, negative individual DC, and negative conjoint DC. Recruitment was stopped once thematic saturation was reached. Live online video interviews were conducted from March to June 2020.Įxposures One semistructured interview, which was recorded and subsequently transcribed. Eligibility criteria included cohabitation, 1 partner diagnosed with YOD and able to participate, and both partners willing to participate. Objective To explore the lived experiences of couples managing YOD using an integrated DC model.ĭesign, Setting, and Participants This qualitative study recruited couples from a single major medical setting and through social media.

Dyadic coping (DC) theoretical models acknowledge that dyads cope with stressors as a unit, but these models have yet to be used in YOD. Importance A diagnosis of young-onset dementia (YOD) is a life-altering event for both persons with dementia and their spousal caregivers. Shared Decision Making and Communication.Scientific Discovery and the Future of Medicine.Health Care Economics, Insurance, Payment.Clinical Implications of Basic Neuroscience.Challenges in Clinical Electrocardiography.

Thematic analysis with nvivo