Validating the CG-STYLE measure in family caregivers of individuals living with dementia.

INTRODUCTION

This study explores the validity and reliability of the measures of the five domains of caregiving style (CG-STYLE).

METHODS

The sample included 209 family caregivers for an individual living with dementia. Floor and ceiling effect criteria were specified as ≤20%. Convergent validity was confirmed with correlations between similar domains (≥0.36-0.67 = "moderate"; 0.68-0.89 = "high"). Discriminant validity was shown by correlations (≤0.35) between dissimilar domains. Known groups were run by median split on measures of caregiving approaches.

RESULTS

The CG-STYLE domains were devoid of floor or ceiling effects except for maladaptive behavioral management strategies (ceiling 30.3%). Convergent and discriminant validity were supported. Known groups validity was supported (d's: 0.35 to 0.93) with a few exceptions.

DISCUSSION: Validity of the CG-STYLE measure assures its utility toward targeting and tailoring supports to dementia caregivers' specific CG-STYLE.

HIGHLIGHTS: This paper presents validity data for the first-person-centered measure of cognitive and behavioral domains of dementia caregiving style (CG-STYLE). All domains had evidence for reliability and validity on more than 75% of the criterion except for the Orientation to Other domain, which met 66.66% of the criterion. Validity of the CG-STYLE item banks can increase their utility among clinicians, community service agencies, and researchers working with family and friend caregivers for individuals living with dementia.