Affiliation:
1. Psychology Program, The Graduate Center, City University of New York , New York City , New York , USA
2. Psychology Department, Hunter College, City University of New York , New York City , New York , USA
Abstract
AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAmong older adults, depressive symptoms increase with each chronic illness; however, specific disease-related stressors (e.g., pain) and contextual moderators (interpersonal, sociocultural, temporal) of this relationship remain understudied. We explored disease-related stressors associated with depressive symptoms and moderating effects of contextual factors on this relationship, guided by a social ecological framework.Research Design and MethodsAdults ≥62 years with multimorbidity (n = 366) completed validated scales assessing diagnoses, disease-related stressors (pain intensity, subjective cognitive function, physical function, somatic symptoms), and depressive symptoms. Moderators included age, expectations regarding aging, perceived social support, and difficulty affording medications. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.ResultsParticipants were 62–88 years old, with several comorbidities (M = 3.5; range: 2–9). As hypothesized, disease-related stressors were associated with depressive symptoms (b = 0.64, SE = 0.04, p < .001). The effect of disease-related stressors on depressive symptoms was greater among those reporting low social support (B = 0.70, SE = 0.06, p < .001) than for those reporting high social support (B = 0.46, SE = 0.06, p < .001). The negative effect of disease-related stressors on depressive symptoms was stronger for those with poorer expectations of aging (B = 0.68, SE = 0.07, p < .001), compared to those with more positive expectations (B = 0.47, SE = 0.06, p < .001). Age and difficulties affording medications were not significant moderators.Discussion and ImplicationsGarnering social support and addressing low expectations for aging may prevent the detrimental effect of multimorbidity on mental health.
Funder
Graduate Center of the City University of New York
CUNY Professional Staff Congress
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Geriatrics and Gerontology,Gerontology,General Medicine
Cited by
2 articles.
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