Greek Adaptation of the Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) Scale in Dementia Caregivers

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to validate the Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) scale in Greek informal family caregivers of patients with dementia, in order to assess its psychometric properties. Methods: Two hundred and forty-seven dementia caregivers completed the Greek version of the PAC (G-PAC) scale in correlation with the following psychometric tools, the Beck Depression Scale, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Quality of Life-AD (QoL-AD), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Caregivers were included in the study after they had been initially informed of its purpose and completed the informed consent. Results: The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extracted two factors for the G-PAC, which is also in agreement with the original version, which is Enriching Life and Affirming Self. Concurrent validity suggested significant correlations between G-PAC and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and with perceived stress. In regard to the reliability measures, the results showed that the G-PAC scale has very good internal reliability and high levels of test-retest reliability. Conclusions: The scale is a both valid and reliable tool, and therefore it can be used to assess the positive aspects of caregiving in dementia caregivers. Clinical implications: The development of positive psychology measures in dementia care can be regarded as the cornerstone of the psychotherapeutic interventions addressed to caregivers, and therefore helping them to adapt better in their caregiving role.