Ziggi Ivan Santini1, Ai Koyanagi2, Stefanos Tyrovolas2, Josep M Haro2. 1. Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu/CIBERSAM, Dr. Antoni Pujades, 42, Sant Boi de Llobregat 08830, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: z.santini@pssjd.org. 2. Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu/CIBERSAM, Dr. Antoni Pujades, 42, Sant Boi de Llobregat 08830, Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Important associations have been found between social relationships and various mental health outcomes. However, limited data exists for these associations among older adults especially in terms of relationship quality in partnerships. This study aimed to examine the associations of positive and negative partner interactions and social networks with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. METHODS: Nationally-representative, cross-sectional data of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) was analyzed. The analytical sample consisted of 4988 community dwelling adults aged >50 years in spouse/partner relationships. Information on sociodemographics and social relationships were assessed using standard questions. Validated scales for depression and anxiety, and a single-item question for suicidal ideation were used to assess mental health outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between social relationships and depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounders, negative partner interactions were significantly associated with increased likelihood of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, while positive partner interactions were significantly and inversely related to anxiety and suicidal ideation. Higher levels of social integration were significantly associated with lower odds for depression. LIMITATIONS: Given the cross-sectional nature of the research, no firm conclusions can be made in terms of directions of causality. CONCLUSION: By assessing the available social network of older adults, as well as the areas in their social relationships that need to be addressed, it may be possible for practitioners and policy makers to maximize the benefits of network integration and minimize the potentially harmful aspects of social relationships, thereby improving overall mental health and emotional well-being.
BACKGROUND: Important associations have been found between social relationships and various mental health outcomes. However, limited data exists for these associations among older adults especially in terms of relationship quality in partnerships. This study aimed to examine the associations of positive and negative partner interactions and social networks with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. METHODS: Nationally-representative, cross-sectional data of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) was analyzed. The analytical sample consisted of 4988 community dwelling adults aged >50 years in spouse/partner relationships. Information on sociodemographics and social relationships were assessed using standard questions. Validated scales for depression and anxiety, and a single-item question for suicidal ideation were used to assess mental health outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between social relationships and depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounders, negative partner interactions were significantly associated with increased likelihood of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, while positive partner interactions were significantly and inversely related to anxiety and suicidal ideation. Higher levels of social integration were significantly associated with lower odds for depression. LIMITATIONS: Given the cross-sectional nature of the research, no firm conclusions can be made in terms of directions of causality. CONCLUSION: By assessing the available social network of older adults, as well as the areas in their social relationships that need to be addressed, it may be possible for practitioners and policy makers to maximize the benefits of network integration and minimize the potentially harmful aspects of social relationships, thereby improving overall mental health and emotional well-being.
Authors: Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin Abdullah; Hazwani Ahmad Yusof; Noorsuzana Mohd Shariff; Rohayu Hami; Noor Farahiya Nisman; Kim Sooi Law Journal: Curr Psychol Date: 2021-02-19
Authors: Jennifer E Thomas; Robin J Jacobs; Joshua Caballero; Raymond L Ownby; Elizabeth M Lessmann; Kayla Mallare; Mark Adler Journal: Ment Health Clin Date: 2016-08-31
Authors: Franziska Förster; Melanie Luppa; Alexander Pabst; Kathrin Heser; Luca Kleineidam; Angela Fuchs; Michael Pentzek; Hanna Kaduszkiewicz; Carolin van der Leeden; André Hajek; Hans-Helmut König; Anke Oey; Birgitt Wiese; Edelgard Mösch; Dagmar Weeg; Siegfried Weyerer; Jochen Werle; Wolfgang Maier; Martin Scherer; Michael Wagner; Steffi G Riedel-Heller Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-06-29 Impact factor: 3.390