Nursing aides' mentalization, expressed emotion, and observed interaction with residents with dementia: A quasi-experimental study

This study examined the associations between nursing aides' mentalization, expressed emotion, and observed sensitivity towards their residents with dementia. The study also explored whether nursing aides' mentalization and expressed emotion are relational constructs that vary with residents' characteristics and behavior. To assess mentalization and expressed emotion (i.e., criticism and positive comments), twenty nursing aides provided Three Minutes Speech Samples regarding two residents, one nominated by the head nurse as difficult, and one nominated as easy. Next, nursing aides were videotaped interacting with each of the two residents to assess their sensitivity and residents' engagement. Findings indicated that nursing aides' mentalization and positive comments were associated with their sensitivity. Nursing aides' mentalization and positive comments did not vary with residents' easy versus difficult nominations, but they were associated with residents' engagement. Results suggest training and supervision programs should involve efforts to improve nursing aides' mentalization skills and their ability to perceive their residents positively. (C) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study examined the associations between nursing aides' mentalization, expressed emotion, and observed sensitivity towards their residents with dementia. The study found that nursing aides' mentalization and positive comments were associated with their sensitivity. However, these factors did not vary with the difficulty of the residents nominated.