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The Gerontologist 43:19-28 (2003)
© 2003 The Gerontological Society of America

Integrating Theory, Basic Research, and Intervention: Two Case Studies From Caregiving Research

Karl Pillemer, PhD1,, J. Jill Suitor, PhD2 and Elaine Wethington, PhD1

Correspondence: Address correspondence to Karl Pillemer, PhD, Cornell Gerontology Research Institute, MVR Hall, Room G44, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. E-mail: kap6{at}cornell.edu

Purpose: The premise of this article is that interventions should be based explicitly on theory and basic research findings. Although there appears to be general agreement with that assertion, the connections among theory, research, and intervention in the field of gerontology are often tenuous or nonexistent. In this article, we argue for better integration of these three domains, providing two case studies from the Cornell Roybal Center that illustrate the positive role theory and research can play in intervention designs and broader applicability of findings. Design and Methods: Study 1 involved a social support intervention for persons making the transition to becoming a family caregiver. Study 2 was an organizational intervention designed to improve interpersonal relationships and increase mutual support between family caregivers and staff in nursing homes. Results: Several benefits emerged as a result of creating theoretically grounded and research-based interventions, including guidance for innovative intervention design and the production of findings that inform both basic research and intervention. Implications: A much closer link between theory and basic research and intervention studies is indicated, suggesting that current federal support of translational research initiatives is justified and worthy of expansion.

Key Words: Intervention studies • Research–practice relationship • Caregiving • Nursing homes




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