CAREGIVER RELIGIOSITY AND WELL-BEING IN DEALING WITH ALZHEIMERS DEMENTIA

To examine the relationship among religious participation, stress, and well-being, 84 caregivers of Alzheimer's patients and 81 control subj ects completed the Religiosity Scale, Life-3, and Medical Outcomes Stu dy well-being measures. Caregivers only completed the Relative's Stres s Scale, No differences were found between groups in religious practic es, although caregivers indicated higher levels of clergy-visiting tha n the others and control subjects indicated a greater met need for con tact with the church or synagogue. In contrast, control subjects show higher levels of well-being, social functioning, and mental health tha n caregivers. In caregivers, significant relationships were found amon g several religiosity variables, stress, and wellbeing.