Exploring shared identity theory as an expanded conceptualization of Alzheimer’s caregiving

Informal caregivers provide critical support to the growing population of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). To assist caregivers, researchers’ dominant theoretical model has been a stress and coping approach for nearly four decades. Although the stress and coping approach is appropriate for many caregivers, it may be too narrow a lens for understanding caregivers who are primarily focused on maintaining their relationship with their loved one and providing the highest quality of care. This study was designed to empirically explore Shared Identity Theory, which emphasizes the inherent value of the relationship between care partners (“shared identity”) and how their shared identity relates to caregiver burden and exemplary care. This exploratory study examined Shared Identity Theory using structural equation modeling in a national sample of 263 informal ADRD caregivers. Our analyses provided support for an overall factor of Shared Identity that explained its four component factors (Communal Orientation, Communal Strength, Collective Identity, and Shared Goals). We then found that shared identity had a substantial positive relationship with exemplary care and a substantial negative relationship with caregiver burden. Shared identity seems to benefit both care recipients and the caregiving relationship. This study suggests the importance of expanding the scope of the caregiving literature to include a primary focus on this powerful relationship.