Engagement in Activities Is Associated With Affective Arousal in Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Preliminary Examination of the Temporal Relations Between Activity and Affect

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the synchronous and temporal relations between engagement in activities and the two primary dimensions of affect—namely, positive and negative affect—using an intensive time-series design called concomitant time series analysis (CTSA). Twenty-four dementia caregivers completed 56 diary measures (4 times per day for 2 weeks) assessing their experience of positive and negative affect as well as engagement in a variety of activities. Total number of activities was significantly correlated with positive affect (r = .40), but not negative affect (r = -.12). Obtained pleasure from activities was significantly correlated with both positive (r = .42) and negative affect (r = - .17). These results may help further develop behavioral models of depression by suggesting that behavioral or self-reinforcing activities are associated primarily (or more saliently) with one's experience of positive affect. Future research examining the effect of behavioral interventions on both positive and negative affect is suggested, as is the examination of factors that may be more strongly associated with negative affect.