Patricia A Thomas1. 1. Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA pthomas4@purdue.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study integrates stress process theory into a life course framework to examine how support and strain from particular relationship types (spouse/partner, children, mother, and friends/relatives) influence trajectories of depressive symptoms among different age groups, net of support and strain from other relationship types. METHOD: Latent growth curve models were used on nationally representative panel data (N = 3,617) from the Americans' Changing Lives survey (1986, 1989, 1994, and 2001/2002). RESULTS: Net of support and strain from other relationships, support from a spouse was related to fewer depressive symptoms among each age group. Friendships were important for depressive symptoms among younger and older adults, whereas only support/strain from family relationships influenced depressive symptoms among adults in midlife. DISCUSSION: Findings demonstrate the importance of support and strain in multiple types of network members for the mental health of adults across the life course.
OBJECTIVE: This study integrates stress process theory into a life course framework to examine how support and strain from particular relationship types (spouse/partner, children, mother, and friends/relatives) influence trajectories of depressive symptoms among different age groups, net of support and strain from other relationship types. METHOD: Latent growth curve models were used on nationally representative panel data (N = 3,617) from the Americans' Changing Lives survey (1986, 1989, 1994, and 2001/2002). RESULTS: Net of support and strain from other relationships, support from a spouse was related to fewer depressive symptoms among each age group. Friendships were important for depressive symptoms among younger and older adults, whereas only support/strain from family relationships influenced depressive symptoms among adults in midlife. DISCUSSION: Findings demonstrate the importance of support and strain in multiple types of network members for the mental health of adults across the life course.