Dementia: towards a perceptual control theory perspective

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults,Volume 17, Issue 4, December 2016. Purpose To explore the psychosocial experiences of people living with dementia using a Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) perspective. Design/methodology/approach Conceptual paper. Findings The paper suggests that people with dementia may control their perceptions by using four modes of control; control, automatic, passive observation and imagination. Research limitations/implications The paper highlights how a perceived sense of ‘too little’ or ‘too much’ control can create psychological and emotional distress, as people with dementia seek to respond to the changing contextual circumstances of their lives. However, more work needs to be done to develop specific PCT informed strategies that may serve the goal of help ing people who are living with dementia to maximise their functioning and alleviate their distress. Originality/value The potential benefits of adopting a PCT perspective to understand the experiences of people living with dementia have only been explored in a relatively superficial way. This pape r is a first attempt to develop a more considered analysis.

Source: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults - October 20, 2016 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research