Associations of objective and perceived social status with well-being in dyads of people with dementia and their caregivers: findings from the IDEAL programme.

Abstract

Purpose: Social status is related to disparities in health and well-being outcomes in people with dementia (PwD). Few studies have explored the interpersonal influence of social status of PwD on the well-being of their caregiver, or vice versa. We investigated this relationship using measures of objective and perceived (subjective) social status.

Methods: The actor-partner interdependence model was used to investigate dyadic relationships of social status and well-being in 1042 PwD and their spousal caregivers from the IDEAL study. Objective indicators of social status included education, social class and socioeconomic classification. Perceived social status included social comparison and ratings of status in society and in one's community.

Results: Of the objective social status indicators, actor effects were only observed for caregiver education and their own well-being. Actor effects for perceived social status were stronger and independent of objective social status for both PwD and caregivers. Caregiver social status also influenced the well-being of PwD.

Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence on the interpersonal influence of social status, especially perceived social status, on well-being in PwD and caregivers. Interactions between PwD, caregivers and wider society may influence the perception of relative social position and impact on living well with dementia.