Using the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure to Measure Dementia Stigma

Stigma towards people with dementia is a major barrier to diagnosis, intervention, and support. Research examining dementia stigma largely relies on explicit measures. This project aimed to develop the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) as a measure of dementia stigma, and to compare levels of implicit and explicit biases across groups of non-careworkers populations versus care-workers. Forty-nine participants took part in the experiment; data from nine participants were excluded due to IRAP exclusion criteria. The final sample consisted of 23 non-careworkers, and 17 carer-workers. Participants completed an IRAP, the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS), the Fraboni Scale of Ageism-Augmented, the PRISM-PC Dementia Screening Subscale, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Care-workers also completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Staff Experience of Working with Residents with Dementia-Questionnaire (SEWRD-Q).Results indicated there was no significant difference on the IRAP between groups. Groups did not differ significantly in relation to questionnaire measures. There was no significant correlation between IRAP scores and questionnaire measures. Low statistical power was identified as a specific limitation in interpreting results. The results and implications for future research are discussed.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

National University of Ireland Maynooth

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Kane, Alan

Language dc:language

en