Date of Award:

5-2026

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Human Development and Family Studies

Committee Chair(s)

Elizabeth Fauth

Committee

Elizabeth Fauth

Committee

Joann Tschanz

Committee

Heather H. Kelley

Abstract

A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming for both the person diagnosed and the people who care for them. Many experience stress, uncertainty, and emotional strain, yet most support programs require significant time and are difficult to access. This study examined a brief, online program called the Compassion Compass, designed to provide early emotional support for both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

The program is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and can be completed in about 30–45 minutes. It focuses on helping individuals notice difficult thoughts and emotions, reconnect with what matters to them, and take small, meaningful steps forward. Caregiver–care recipient pairs completed the program and follow-up surveys over four weeks. Overall, participants found the program easy to use, relevant, and meaningful. Both caregivers and individuals living with dementia showed improvements in psychological flexibility, or the ability to handle difficult experiences while staying connected to personal values. Caregivers also reported reduced stress over time. While broader outcomes like quality of life did not change in this short timeframe, participants described feeling more aware, more compassionate toward themselves and others, and better able to cope with the challenges of dementia. These findings suggest that brief, accessible programs like the Compassion Compass may offer a practical way to support families early in the dementia experience and alongside other forms of care.

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