Author: Claire Wood    Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders 

Dr. Fran Hagstrom and Claire Wood meeting via Microsoft Teams to discuss research progress.

My name is Claire Wood. I am a senior in the College of Education and Health Professions, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. I have had the pleasure of doing research under Dr. Fran Hagstrom, Assistant Professor in the Rehab, Human Resources, and Communication Sciences and Disorders (RHRC) Department. Dr. Hagstrom and I began this research in the Fall of 2019 so this is my third semester of research and first semester of funding. Following graduation in May 2021, I plan to attend graduate school to become a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Real-World Application

My research investigates the perspectives of the caregiver who is assisting a loved one through early-onset Dementia. More specifically, I am coding the attachment of the caregiver and examining for shifts in identity. The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding of how attachment and shifts in identity affect the caregiver’s quality of life as he or she navigates a loved one’s early-onset Dementia diagnosis. In being able to code and understand general patterns that caregivers experience in regard to attachment and shifts in identity, clinicians will better be equipped to counsel the caregivers to enhance their quality of life by helping them better understand and cope as they navigate loss.

Research Experience

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program has an Introduction to Research course. This course provided time for professors doing research within the program to discuss their interests as well as their current research. After hearing Dr. Hagstrom’s interest and research, I was hooked. Following the decision to focus on the identity and attachment of caregivers, I reviewed the current literature on coding using narrative analysis as well as literature on adult attachment. Additionally, Dr. Hagstrom and I found open-source caregiver stories in both video, audio, and text materials. Each of these materials will be analyzed until solidification of major and minor themes emerge. As I have continued to code for themes, it has become more apparent to me that maintaining the identity of the persons with Dementia (PWD) is of paramount importance to most caregivers. This need to maintain the PWD’s identity, in turn, provides a more complete understanding of the caregiver’s attachment style.

This research topic has taught me the importance of understanding the progression of a client’s diagnoses and acknowledging the caregiver’s needs as well. Without a proper understanding of the situation in its entirety, Speech-Language Pathologists cannot provide optimal care. Additionally, I have learned how individuals cope with challenging diagnoses. Though the major themes of coping studies may be readily apparent, each person’s experience is different so each patient’s care should likewise be unique.

My research team, including Benjamin Wight and Annabelle Linker, faced many challenges as we continued our research amid the global pandemic. The COVID-19 virus prevented my team from being able to meet and discuss research regularly in person. As with most virtual events, we experienced challenges with the technology– microphones, speakers, internet, etc. However, despite the technical difficulties, my team connected through Microsoft Teams video and chatbox, the Zoom platform, and old-fashioned phone calls. Keeping in contact through all modes of communication kept us on task, provided a space for questions and suggestions, and allowed us to teach each other about our individual topics. Dr. Hagstrom has played many essential roles throughout this research process. Under her guidance, I have been taught to ask the right questions and to search for the answers. She has provided sage wisdom and helped me navigate uncertainties. Dr. Hagstrom has been the primary editor of all materials and the chief initiator in all group meetings. Her mentorship has truly been invaluable.

Future Plans

Throughout the Spring 2021 semester, I plan to continue my research on early-onset Dementia as it relates to caregiver attachment and shifts in identity. In April, I plan to defend this research to my mentor and committee members. Depending on graduate program acceptance, following graduation in May, I will pursue a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.