The principles and techniques of benefit-finding for dementia caregivers: Reply to Gersdorf

Using cognitive reappraisal to promote positive gains is a distinctive feature of the benefit-finding intervention (BFT). The intervention would not appeal to caregivers, however, if it burdens them with extra training sessions, on top of a usual psychoeducation program. Furthermore, because the challenging aspects of dementia care (e.g., dealing with neuropsychiatric symptoms and impairments in activities of daily living)1 provide exactly the context for searching for meaning,2 positive reappraisal exercises are embedded within related topics when these challenging aspects are discussed, rather than being covered in stand-alone sessions.3 This is probably more acceptable to caregivers as they come mainly for knowledge and care skills.