Predictors of empathy in dementia care staff

Abstract

Past research suggests that empathy levels between people vary as a function of individual characteristics. Although empathy has been studied in such health care professionals as physicians and nurses, there has been little evaluation of empathy in staff caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other senile dementia disorders. This study examines the relationship between levels of empathy and the demographic and personality characteristics of a sample of dementia care staff in Wisconsin. Results suggest that empathy is related to diverse caregiver characteristics and is associated more frequently with personality rather than demographic variables. Empathy levels also were found to be different between male and female caregivers, which is consistent with past studies. Recommendations are made for future research with this population of health care professionals. Clinical implications are discussed. © 2000, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.