Experiences and coping strategies of family caregivers caring for people with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: a systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract

Aim This study aims to integrate the experiences and coping strategies of family caregivers when caring for individuals with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) to better understand their experiences and difficulties in the long-term care process of dementia patients and provide caregivers with more appropriate assistance. Methods A comprehensive search of seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINHAL, WanFang, CNKI, and SinoMed) was performed to obtain the most extensive qualitative research possible, and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative research was used to conduct quality assessments of the included qualitative studies. The themes and subthemes presented in the included studies were extracted and subjected to thematic analysis. Results This study ultimately included 14 original research papers. Through thematic analysis, 5 main themes were ultimately identified, namely, (a) perception of symptoms, (b) coping strategies, (c) challenges, (d) self-needs and (e) self-transformation. Conclusions Family caregivers supporting people with BPSD encountered a multitude of physical and psychological burdens throughout their caregiving journey. Despite these adversities, many navigated their care roles by adopting adaptive coping strategies and undergoing profound personal transformation. Future support interventions ought to be tailored to caregivers’ real-world needs, empowering them to build caregiving competency while protecting their own physical and mental wellbeing. Registration www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251154771, registered 26/09/2025