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American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias®, Vol. 18, No. 2, 115-122 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/153331750301800211

Predictors of successful relationships in a peer support program for Alzheimer's caregivers

Myra Sabir, MA

Karl Pillemer, PhD

Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

Jill Suitor, PhD

Michael Patterson

Department of Sociology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

This study explores the role of similarity in the success of peer support relationships in an intervention program for dementia caregivers. Hypothesized predictors of successful matches included structural similarity between partners (e.g., in age, education), appraisal similarity (e.g., in satisfaction with support for caregiving), and psychological similarity (e.g., in psychological wellbeing). Contrary to expectations, no relationship between these types of similarity and the success of the match were found, but effects were found for dissimilar pairs on several characteristics. The findings suggest: 1) that what really makes a difference for successful peer support is sharing the stressful but also rewarding experience of caregiving; and 2) that program planners do not need to develop extensive matching criteria.

Key Words: Alzheimer's disease • dementia • peer support • caregivers


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