Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and chronic neurocognitive disorder characterized by the deterioration of higher-level cortical functions, leading to cognitive decline, neuropsychiatric behavioral changes, and a reduced ability to perform daily activities. As the disease progresses, patients gradually lose functional abilities, resulting in an increased demand for care. Primary caregivers, who are directly responsible for meeting these care needs, often face significant emotional, physical, social, and financial burdens. Providing long-term care to elderly individuals is a major source of chronic stress and can exceed caregivers' coping capacities. In this context, psychological resilience serves as a critical protective factor. Interventions that enhance the resilience of caregivers supporting individuals with chronic mental illness are essential for caregiver empowerment. Caregivers with low resilience are more prone to maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as ruminative thinking. Rumination can intensify psychological distress when negative thoughts interact with depressive mood states during the processing of traumatic experiences. However, not all traumatic experiences lead to negative outcomes; in some cases, individuals may grow stronger and experience positive psychological changes, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG refers to the positive transformation that can emerge from the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. The psychological toll of caregiving highlights the importance of supportive psychological interventions. Psychoeducational programs based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offer a comprehensive approach by addressing the needs of caregivers while also considering both the patients and the broader family systems. This study aims to examine the effects of CBT-based psychoeducation on post-traumatic growth, psychological resilience, and ruminative thinking among primary caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
