RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To analyze the correlation and mechanism of action among caregivers' expressed emotion, positive aspects, coping style and the behavioral and psychological symptoms of people with dementia by using the theory of planned behavior as a framework. METHODS: We investigated 193 pairs of people with dementia and caregivers to assess patients' behavioral and psychological symptoms, as well as caregivers' expressed emotion, positive aspects and coping style. Regression analysis and structural equation modeling were used. RESULTS: Dementia severity and psychotropic drug use were influencing factors of behavioral and psychological symptoms. Caregivers' positive aspects predicted expressed emotion and coping style, while expressed emotion predicted behavioral and psychological symptoms. Expressed emotion played a completely mediating role between caregivers' positive aspects and dementia patients' behavioral and psychological symptoms. CONCLUSION: Health care professionals should follow strict guidelines on medication, and focus on the caregiver's emotional state to reduce adverse effects on the person with dementia.