Effects of Social Support and Strain on Depression in Older Adults: The Roles of Health Behaviors

• In Event: 480 - Section on Medical Sociology Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 08. Social Relations and Health

Abstract

Social support and strain from different types of relationship can be beneficial or harmful to mental health of older adults. Using the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project in 2005-2006 and 2010-2011, we examine the effects of several types of support and strain from spouse, family member, and friend on depressive symptoms of community dwelling adults age 57 to 85 in the US. Using path analyses, we further analyze the role of health behaviors, including physical activities, alcohol consumption, and smoking on the causal relationships between support/strain and depression. Results from 1,441 healthy participants in 2005-2006 indicate that social support and strain at baseline highly impact CESD-score in 2010-2011. Among the specific types of social relationship, support and strain from family members are the most prominent factor influencing depression in older adults. These causal effects can be partially explained through physical activities and alcohol consumption but these mediating effects vary depending on types of relationship and health behavior.

Authors

• Patricia A. Thomas, Purdue University

• Ha Ngoc Trinh, University of Utah