Affiliate stigma in family members of people living with dementia: A cross-sectional study identifying protective factors.

Higher affiliate stigma was significantly associated with poorer mental well-being in family caregivers of people living with dementia.

• Sample consisted of 101 family caregivers of people living with dementia
• Mean age of caregivers was 65.1 years, with 86% female
• The association was statistically significant (β=0.30, p=0.002)
• Data were collected via an online survey measuring affiliate stigma, mental health, social support, self-compassion, attitudes towards ageing, and positive meaning in caregiving
• Hierarchical regression analysis with interaction terms was used to evaluate the relationship

The effect of affiliate stigma on caregiver well-being was less pronounced among caregivers with high self-compassion.

• Finding was identified through stratified analyses
• None of the interaction terms were statistically significant, limiting causal inference about moderation
• Self-compassion was one of the psychosocial factors measured in the online survey
• This suggests self-compassion may serve as a protective factor against the negative effects of affiliate stigma

The effect of affiliate stigma on caregiver well-being was less pronounced among caregivers with positive attitudes towards ageing.

• Finding was identified through stratified analyses
• None of the interaction terms were statistically significant
• Attitudes towards ageing was one of the psychosocial factors included in the survey
• Positive attitudes towards ageing were identified as a potential protective factor alongside self-compassion

None of the psychosocial factors tested produced statistically significant interaction terms with affiliate stigma in hierarchical regression analyses.

• Psychosocial factors tested included social support, self-compassion, attitudes towards ageing, and positive meaning in caregiving
• Hierarchical regression analysis with interaction terms was the primary analytic method
• Stratified analyses were employed as a complementary approach to evaluate moderating effects
• The lack of significant interaction terms means formal statistical moderation was not established

The authors suggest family caregivers may benefit from interventions targeting self-compassion and positive attitudes towards ageing.

• Recommended intervention types include mindfulness or educational programs
• The goal of such interventions would be to promote well-being in family caregivers
• This recommendation is based on the stratified findings showing attenuated stigma effects among caregivers with high self-compassion and positive attitudes towards ageing