Empowering family caregivers through eHealth Interventions: The Potential of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

eHealth shows promise in enhancing the psychological and social well-being of family caregivers of people with dementia. There is, however, still a gap in evidence-based interventions designed to support family caregivers in developing the skills needed to navigate and function effectively when facing unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and challenges associated with dementia caregiving. This chapter explores the potential of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a behavioural therapy to improve psychological flexibility and stimulate positive behaviour changes among caregivers. First, the conceptual principles of ACT are introduced and linked to the caregiver stress process model. Second, a comprehensive overview of ACT interventions in the context of family care is provided. Finally, results from a feasibility study are presented, evaluating a guided online ACT intervention for family caregivers of people with dementia. The chapter concludes with limitations and future directions of eHealth interventions for family caregivers of people with dementia, with a particular focus on ACT, along with implications in both dementia care and research.