Physical health and depression: a dyadic study of chronic health conditions and depressive symptomatology in older adult couples.

TitlePhysical health and depression: a dyadic study of chronic health conditions and depressive symptomatology in older adult couples.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsAyotte, BJ, Yang, FMargaret, Jones, RN
JournalJ Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci
Volume65
Issue4
Pagination438-48
Date Published2010 Jul
ISSN Number1758-5368
KeywordsAge Factors, Aged, Chi-Square Distribution, Chronic disease, Cohort Studies, depression, Female, Health Status, Humans, Hypertension, Least-Squares Analysis, Male, Marriage, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Risk Factors, Sex Factors, Socioeconomic factors, Spouses, Stroke
Abstract

This study examined the associations among chronic health conditions, sociodemographic factors, and depressive symptomatology in older married couples. Data from the 2004 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (n = 2,184 couples) were analyzed. Results indicated a reciprocal relationship in depressive symptoms between spouses. Additionally, post hoc analyses indicated that husbands' stroke and high blood pressure were related to increased depressive symptomatology among wives. Beyond the reciprocal relationship, husbands were unaffected by wives' health. These results suggest sex differences underlying psychological distress in the context of physical health among older adults and that older women with husbands who have high levels of depressive symptomatology, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke may be at particular risk of experiencing depressive symptoms.

DOI10.1093/geronb/gbq033
User Guide Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20498455?dopt=Abstract

Endnote Keywords

Chronic Disease/depression/Stroke/Stress/Sex Differences

Endnote ID

22560

Alternate JournalJ Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci
Citation Key7458
PubMed ID20498455
PubMed Central IDPMC2883871
Grant List5 R01 AG025308-02 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
5-T32 AG023480 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
5-T35 AG026781 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
P60AG008812 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States