Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Amy Fiske

Committee Member

Barry Edelstein

Committee Member

Julie Hicks Patrick

Abstract

Depression in late life has been associated with disability, lower quality of life, increased mortality, and increased risk of suicide (Fiske et al., 2009; Rodda et al., 2011). Research suggests that functional disability, which is often brought about by a medical condition, may precede depressive symptoms and may be a major factor for older adults developing depression (Ormel et al., 2002). Social support can be beneficial for both emotional and physical health (Fiori & Jager, 2021). Numerous studies found evidence that social networks, perceived and subjective social support, and satisfaction with support received moderated the relation between health problems and depression. However, findings were mixed regarding received and objective social support and only one study was found that examined the impact of giving support to others. The current study addressed gaps in the literature by focusing on three facets of social relationships which include: availability of support, participant giving help, and participant receiving help. Data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study were utilized from the 2011 wave to examine the relationships between medical conditions, functional impairment, depressive symptoms, and social support. Results indicated that availability of support, support given, and support received all significantly predicted depressive symptoms. Medical conditions and functional impairment also predicted depressive symptoms. However, none of the three types of social support significantly moderated the relationships between medical conditions and depressive symptoms or functional impairment and depressive symptoms. While social support was not found to be a moderator, it is still an important construct, and possibly tool, to consider for helping older adults experiencing depressive symptoms.

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