Sheung-Tak Cheng, Ph.D.

Sheung-Tak Cheng, Ph.D.
(鄭相德)

Chair Professor of Psychology and Gerontology Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong

Contact:

Room 22, 2/F, Block D4, Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, Hong Kong E-mail: takcheng@eduhk.hk Telephone: +852 2948 6563
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Awards and Recognition

  • Expertscape named top 0.011% World Expert in Caregivers
  • Included in science-wide most cited researcher list compiled by Stanford researchers; subfield Geriatrics ‒ 2022: top 0.16% (doi:10.17632/btchxktzyw.6).
  • Emeritus Member, Global Council on Brain Health (2017-now).
  • Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (2014-now).
  • Fellow, Association for Psychological Science (2009-now).
  • Fellow, American Psychological Association (2006-now).
  • Honorary Chair, Department of Clinical Psychology, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom (2015-2022).
  • Honorary Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Gender Studies Program, Chinese University of Hong Kong (2015-2022).
  • Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (2021).
  • Henry David Mentoring Award, American Psychological Association (International Psychology Division) (2015).
  • Outstanding International Psychologist Award, American Psychological Association (International Psychology Division) (2007).
  • Certificate of Appreciation for Contributions as a Humanitarian Worker, jointly presented by American Psychological Association (Peace Psychology Division) and Psychologists for Social Responsibility (2008).

Introduction

A clinical psychologist by training and a gerontologist by research focus, I am the first Chair Professor of Psychology and Gerontology in Hong Kong. I have long-standing interests in family gerontology, family caregiving, dementia care, and also positive psychology. All these interests converge to shape my current focus on positive aspects of caregiving and development of the Benefit-Finding Intervention to promote positive gains in dementia caregivers, with encouraging results. Techniques of the Benefit-Finding Intervention have been adopted in Germany, Spain and the USA. Through this line of research, I have come to propose the concept of psychoeducation with psychotherapeutic components. That is, caregivers need mental health support as much as education about how to manage their relative’s condition. Researchers including myself have found cost-effective ways to augment psychoeducation programs with psychotherapeutic techniques without the direct involvement of psychotherapists. My colleagues and I have demonstrated that, across the board, such interventions are the most helpful, especially when cost is taken into account, for dementia family caregivers.

At the same time, I have advocated the use of technology so that many more caregivers can get help readily and that they can control what they learn based on their individual needs and interests. I am currently conducting a global clinical trial testing the effectiveness of an online intervention program called Positive Dementia Caregiving in 30 Days, derived from the already established Benefit-Finding Intervention but rewritten entirely for online self-directed learning. An intervention “without borders,” it can be accessed by any caregiver with internet access (phone or computer). This is the first clinical trial open to all caregivers around the world. At the present moment, the intervention is only available in English but will be extended to other languages.

High-level Consultancy

  • Issue Matter Specialist (guideline on cognitively stimulating activity and brain health), Global Council on Brain Health (2017).
  • World Health Organization Expert group on dementia research agenda (2014-15).
  • Expert Consultant to United Nations Programme on Ageing (2006-08).
  • Expert Consultant to Division of Emerging Social Issues, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) (2005-08).
  • Consultant to Central Policy Unit, Hong Kong SAR Government (2005) on future policies for older persons.

Editorial Responsibilities

  • Associate Editor, Psychology and Aging (2017-2024).
  • Associate Editor, Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being (2021-now).
  • Editorial board member, Aging & Mental Health (2013-now); BMC Geriatrics (2020-now); Journal of Applied Gerontology (2012-now); Psychology and Aging (2008-16); Research on Aging (2013-now).

Publication Summary

~180 journal articles (~120 as principal author); 1 edited book; 17 book chapters; 5 high-level policy reports to United Nations and Hong Kong government); 1 commentary in a World Dementia Council report.

Publications on Dementia Caregiver Interventions

  1. Kwok, J.Y.Y., Cheung, D.S.K., Zarit, S., Cheung, K.S.-L., Lau, B.H.P., Lou, V.W., Cheng, S.-T., Gallagher-Thompson, D., & Chou, K.-L. (2023). Multiphase optimization of a multicomponent intervention for informal dementia caregivers: A study protocol. Trials, 24(1), 791. ( https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-023-07801-3 )
  2. Cheng, S.-T., Li, K.-K., Or, P.P.L., & Losada, A. (2022). Do caregiver interventions improve outcomes in relatives with dementia and mild cognitive impairment? A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 37(8), 929-953. ( https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2022-76749-001 )
  3. Cheng, S.-T., Chan, W.C., Fung, H.H., & Lam, L.C.W. (2022). Self-efficacy in controlling upsetting thoughts, but not positive gains, mediates the effects of benefit-finding group intervention for Alzheimer family caregivers. Psychology and Aging, 37(6), 766-775. ( https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2022-06498-001 )
  4. Cheng, S.-T., Chan, W.C., & Lam, L.C.W. (2022). Are care-recipient outcomes attributable to improved caregiver well-being? A cluster-randomized controlled trial of benefit-finding intervention. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 30(8), 903-913. ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748121004528 )
  5. Yu, S.F.D., Cheng, S.-T., Chow, E.O.-W., Kwok, T., & Mccormack. (2020). Effects of strength-based intervention on health outcomes of family caregivers of persons with dementia: A study protocol. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(10), 2737-2746. ( https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jan.14470 )
  6. Cheng, S.-T., Mak, E.P.M., Kwok, T., Fung, H.H., Lam, L.C.W. (2020). Benefit-finding intervention delivered individually to Alzheimer family caregivers: Longer-term outcomes of a randomized double-blind controlled trial. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 75(9), 1884-1893. ( https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/75/9/1884/5574004 )
  7. Au, A., Lai, D.W.L., Biggs, S., Cheng, S.-T., Haapala-Biggs, I., Chow, A., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2020). Perspective-taking interventions for intergenerational caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease: A randomized controlled trial. Research on Social Work Practice, 30(3), 306-319. ( https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1049731519864165 )
  8. Cheng, S.-T., & Zhang, F. (2020). A comprehensive meta-review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on nonpharmacological interventions for informal dementia caregivers. BMC Geriatrics, 20, article no. 137. ( https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-020-01547-2 )
  9. Cheng, S.-T., Li, K.-K., Losada, A., Zhang, F., Au, A., Thompson, L.W., Gallager-Thompson, D. (2020). The effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions for informal dementia caregivers: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 35(1), 55-77. ( https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2020-04972-006.html )
  10. Au, A., Yip, H.-M., Lai, S., Ngai, S., Cheng, S.-T., Losada, A., Thompson, L., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2019). Telephone-based behavioral activation intervention for dementia family caregivers: Outcomes and mediation effect of a randomized controlled trial. Patient Education and Counseling, 102(11), 2049-2059. ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738399119302411 )
  11. Yu, D.S.-F., Li, P.W., Zhang, F., Cheng, S.-T., Ng, T.K., & Judge, K.S. (2019). The effects of a dyadic strength-based empowerment programs on the health outcomes of people with mild cognitive impairment and their family caregivers: A randomized controlled trial. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 14, 1705-1717. ( https://www.dovepress.com/article_metric.php?article_id=48957 )
  12. Cheng, S.-T., Chan, W.C., & Lam, L.C.W. (2019). Long-term outcomes of the benefit-finding group intervention for Alzheimer family caregivers: A cluster-randomized double-blind controlled trial. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 27(9), 984-994. ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748119303057 )
  13. Cheng, S.-T., Au, A., Losada, A., Thompson, L.W., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2019). Psychological interventions for dementia caregivers: What we have achieved, what we have learned. Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(7), article no. 59. ( https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-019-1045-9 )
  14. Cheng, S.-T., Mak, E.P.M., Fung, H.H., Kwok, T., Lee, D.T.F., & Lam, L.C.W. (2017). Benefit-finding and effect on caregiver depression: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 85(5), 521-529. ( https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-11098-001 )
  15. Cheng, S.-T., Fung, H.H., Chan, W.C., & Lam, L.C.W. (2016). Short-term effects of a gain-focused reappraisal intervention for dementia caregivers: A double-blind cluster-randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 24(9), 740-750. ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748116301026 )
  16. Cheng, S.-T., Lau, R.W.L., Mak, E.P.M., Ng, N.S.S., Lam, L.C.W. (2014) Benefit-finding intervention for Alzheimer caregivers: Conceptual framework, implementation issues, and preliminary efficacy. The Gerontologist, 54, 1049-1058. ( https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/54/6/1049/565099 )
  17. Cheng, S.-T., Lau, R.W.L., Mak, E.P.M., Ng, N.S.S., Lam, L.C.W., Fung, H.H., Lai, J.C.L., Kwok, T., & Lee, T.F.L. (2012). A benefit-finding intervention for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer disease: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 13, article no. 98. ( https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1745-6215-13-98 )

Other Publications on Dementia Caregiving

  1. Cheng, S.-T. (2023). The Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale can be shortened to six items: Application of item response theory. Aging & Mental Health, 27(10), 1929-1937. ( https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13607863.2023.2165622?tab=permissions&scroll=top&role=tab )
  2. Yan, E., Lai, D.W.L., Sun, R., Cheng, S.-T., Ng, H.K.L., Lou, V.W.Q., Fong, D., & Kwok, T. (2023). Typology of family caregivers of older persons: A latent profile analysis using elder mistreatment risk and protective factors. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 35(1), 34-64. ( https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08946566.2023.2197269 )
  3. Cheng, S.-T. (2023). Positive aspects of caregiving attenuate the relationship between behavioral bother and anxiety and depressive symptoms in dementia family caregivers. Geriatrics and Gerontology International, 23(5), 366-370. ( https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ggi.14581 )
  4. Cheng, S.-T. (2022). Two sides of the same coin: Revisiting the relationship between burden and positive aspects of caregiving in dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 37(8), 1-9. ( https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/gps.5786 )
  5. Yu, S.F.D., Cheng, S.-T., Kwok, T. (2021). Developing and testing an integrative theoretical model to predict positive aspects of caregiving among family caregivers of persons with dementia: A study protocol. Journal of Advaned Nursing, 77(1), 401-410. ( https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jan.14561 )
  6. Cheng, S.-T., Ma, D.Y., & Lam, L.C.W. (2019). A brief measure of predeath grief in dementia caregivers: The Caregiver Grief Questionnaire. International Psychogeriatrics, 31(8), 1099-1107. ( https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-psychogeriatrics/article/abs/brief-measure-of-predeath-grief-in-dementia-caregivers-the-caregiver-grief-questionnaire/8813581DEF091086D97A2567E7B038BF )
  7. Steffen, A.M., Gallagher-Thompson, D., Arenella, K., Au, A., Cheng, S.-T., Crespo, M., Cristancho-Lacroix, V., Lopez, J., Losada, A., Marquez-Gonzalez, M., Nogales-Gonzalez, C., & Romero-Moreno, R. (2019). Validating the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy: A cross-national review. The Gerontologist, 59(4), e325-e342. ( https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/59/4/e325/4930706 )
  8. Yu, D.S.F., Cheng, S.-T., & Wang, J. (2018). Unraveling positive aspects of caregiving in dementia: An integrative review of research literature. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 79, 1-26. ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020748917302407 )
  9. Cheng, S.-T. (2017). Dementia caregiver burden: A research update and critical analysis. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(9), article no. 64. ( https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-017-0818-2 )
  10. Cheng, S.-T., Mak, E.P.M., Lau, R.W.L., Ng, N.S.S., Lam, L.C.W. (2016). Voices of Alzheimer caregivers on positive aspects of caregiving. The Gerontologist, 56(3), 451-460. ( https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/56/3/451/2605645 )
  11. Wong, A., Cheng, S.-T., Lo, E.S.K., Kwan, P.W.L., Law, L.S.N., Chan, A.Y.Y., Wong, L.K.S, & Mok, V. (2014). Validity and reliability of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire Version (NPI-Q) in stroke or transient ischemic attack patients with cognitive impairment. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 27(4), 247-252. ( https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0891988714532017 )
  12. Cheng, S.-T., Kwok, T., & Lam, L.C.W. (2014). Dimensionality of burden in Alzheimer caregivers: Confirmatory factor analysis and correlates of the Zarit Burden Interview. International Psychogeriatrics, 26, 1455-1463. ( https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-psychogeriatrics/article/abs/dimensionality-of-burden-in-alzheimer-caregivers-confirmatory-factor-analysis-and-correlates-of-the-zarit-burden-interview/2C26C2EFF4C5AAF734D5DA7D3C99DA15 )
  13. Cheng, S.-T., Lam, L.C.W., Kwok, T., Ng, N.S.S., & Fung, A.W.T. (2013). The social networks of Hong Kong Chinese family caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease: Correlates with positive gains and burden. The Gerontologist, 53, 998-1008. ( https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/53/6/998/634763 )
  14. Cheng, S.-T., Ip, I.N., Kwok, T. (2013). Caregiver forgiveness is associated with less burden and potentially harmful behaviors. Aging & Mental Health, 17, 930-934. ( https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13607863.2013.791662 )
  15. Cheng, S.-T., Lam, L.C.W., & Kwok, T. (2013). Neuropsychiatric symptom clusters of Alzheimer’s disease in Hong Kong Chinese: Correlates with caregiver burden and depression. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21, 1029-1037. ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748113000468 )
  16. Cheng, S.-T., Lam, L.C.W., Kwok, T., Ng, N.S.S., & Fung, A.W.T. (2013). Self-efficacy is associated with less burden and more gains from behavioral problems of Alzheimer’s disease in Hong Kong Chinese caregivers. The Gerontologist, 53, 71-80. ( https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/53/1/71/615949 )
  17. Cheng, S.-T., Kwok, T., & Lam, L.C.W. (2012). Neuropsychiatric symptom clusters of Alzheimer’s disease in Hong Kong Chinese: Prevalence and confirmatory factor analysis of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. International Psychogeriatrics, 24, 1465-1473. ( https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-psychogeriatrics/article/abs/neuropsychiatric-symptom-clusters-of-alzheimers-disease-in-hong-kong-chinese-prevalence-and-confirmatory-factor-analysis-of-the-neuropsychiatric-inventory/0F796ADF9FBED26AC9CBF053A3188B9B )