NCJ Number
164412
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (1996) Pages: 35-47
Date Published
1996
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper provides the background for and the results of using the vignette methodology to identify coping strategies among 30 female caregivers of elderly people living in the Australian Capital Territory.
Abstract
The use of vignettes is considered to be an appropriate method for the study of normative material where the direct and abstracted approach of eliciting responses to specific issues is not possible. In this technique, stories of specified circumstances are provided, and hypothetical characters are used. In the current study, vignettes were used to gain insight into the interpersonal conflict and coping strategies adopted by caregivers for elderly people. In the study, "conflict" is defined as "an interpersonal process that occurs whenever actions of one person interfere with the actions of another." The coping strategies adopted by the caregivers to deal with the caring situation were identified. The study was designed to determine whether there was a consensus about the conflicting situations and the preferred coping strategies in caring relationships and what respondents themselves did or would do if they were in similar situations. Findings show that the caregivers' answers to the imaginary situations were related to their real life experiences. In response to vignettes, the caregivers exhibited a greater sensitivity to conflictual situations, felt less guilty about not fulfilling their caregiving responsibility, and reported reaching a breaking point after which they were not eager to continue the caregiving role. The vignettes, in conjunction with the qualitative in-depth interviews and quantitative survey, were a powerful tool for exploring complex and sensitive issues such as conflict. 12 references