Viewing Through a New Lens: Positive Reframing for Dementia Caregivers ELIZABETH SHULMAN, DMin, STNA Dementia Caregiver Consultant
“W
hen we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” These words by Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl can offer brilliant guidance to those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness. There are more than 16 million dementia caregivers in the U.S. Not surprisingly, a sense of burden and depression are two of the most researched areas in the field of caregiving.1 Whether it’s limited support, a response to their loved one’s behavior or just a general sense of loss, it is not unusual for caregivers to wish things were different in some way. However, when a stressful situation offers no immediate solution, caregivers may discover a sense of hope and well-being not by changing their actual circumstances, but by changing how they look at their situation. LOOKING FOR GOOD IN CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES
There is a story about a farmer who was working his field when a traveler heading into town came upon him. The traveler called to the farmer, “Excuse me, good man. May I ask what kind of people I will find in this town up ahead?” “What were the people like in the town you came from?” asked the farmer. “Oh, I thought they were wonderful! I found them to be so helpful and full of cheer. I was sorry to leave them,” replied the traveler. “Have no worries,” said the farmer. “You will find the same type of folks in the town ahead.” Feeling hopeful, the traveler went on his way. A short while later, a second traveler happened by and asked the same question to the farmer: “You there, what kind of people are in this town I am approaching?” “What kind of people were in the town you left?” asked the farmer. “Scoundrels! I didn’t trust any of them. I’m glad to be rid of them!” answered the traveler. “I’m afraid to say,” replied the farmer, “you
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will find more of the same in the next town.” Disgusted, the traveler continued on his way.2 How we currently experience life can be a good indicator of our outlook toward the future. In simple terms: Do you consider yourself a “glass half-full” or a “glass half-empty” type of person? Research has shown that simply approaching a problem with the assumption that there will be a positive outcome greatly increases the chance of that result happening.3 Fortunately, if you tend to worry and forecast bad outcomes but are willing to approach challenges in a different way, you may be rewarded with a newfound sense of optimism and hope.
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND REFRAMING
In the 1990s, American psychologist Martin Seligman’s research became the foundation of what is known today as “Positive Psychology.” Positive psychology studies the positive influences of life, including what brings about authentic happiness and meaning to it. The idea of reframing is one aspect of positive psychology. Reframing is
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