The Association between the Emotional Closeness, Negative and Positive Affection, and Agitation among Older Adult with Dementia: A Cross-sectional Study

Previous studies revealed conflicting findings of prior research on whether older adults living in the community or nursing homes have better health outcomes. Moreover, there is an imperative need for similar studies to assess the associations between emotional closeness, positive and negative affections, and agitation in older adults with dementia. This descriptive correlational study was conducted on a convenience sample of 102 older adults with dementia in Jordan. This study used multiple observational and self-report questionnaires to achieve the study objectives. The results indicated that PWD residing in community settings measured statistically significantly lower mean physical non-aggressive behaviors scores than those living in NHs. Also, physical, aggressive, and verbal non-aggressive behaviors were significantly associated with emotional closeness and negative affection, respectively, among PWD. Moreover, physical, non-aggressive behaviors were significantly associated with living in NHs and the cognitive function of PWD. Future research would consider exploring further potential factors related to agitated behavior and affection among older PWDs. Experimental studies that intend to increase social support and emotional closeness levels thus alleviating negative affection and agitation, are recommended in the future.