@article {9973, title = {"Crossover" in depressive symptoms among older couples: Are previous findings artifactual?}, journal = {Journal of Aging and Health}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE: This study examined effects of a partner{\textquoteright}s depressive symptoms on those of a focal respondent.

METHOD: Data were from the 2008-through-2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Linear growth modeling was used to distinguish within- from between-person variation, and genetic instrumental variables to take endogeneity into account.

RESULTS: A partner{\textquoteright}s 2008 depressive symptoms had no associations with within-person change in those of a respondent between 2010 and 2014. Corresponding linkages with their between-person variation in 2010 were positive and significant for both genders. Among women, these last estimates remained intact in genetic instrumental variable models restricted to white couples.

DISCUSSION: Results indicate that contrary to previous literature, late life relationships are not marked by "crossover" of depressive symptoms. Women{\textquoteright}s affect may, however, be influenced by such transmission in the relationship{\textquoteright}s history. Beyond depression, findings suggest current theories of dyadic health effects may partly rest on flawed evidence.

}, keywords = {Depressive symptoms, Marriage, Meta-analyses}, issn = {1552-6887}, doi = {10.1177/0898264318800919}, author = {Aniruddha Das} }