Mediating role of dyadic satisfaction on social support and health outcomes in a sample of military family caregivers

• Published in: Journal of military, veteran and family health veteran and family health, 2022-07
• Main Author: Wilcox, Sherrie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2368-7924; 2368-7924
• DOI: 10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0110

LAY SUMMARY Military family caregivers (MFCs) can experience many health-related challenges associated with caregiving responsibilities. Perceived support from a spouse or partner can influence dyadic satisfaction and health outcomes among those who care for a spouse or partner. This study examined the relations among social support, dyadic satisfaction, and mental (i.e., depressive and anxiety symptoms) and physical (i.e., somatic symptoms) health outcomes in a sample of MFCs. This sample consisted of 104 MFCs who were the spouse or partner of their care recipient. The findings indicate that more support predicted greater dyadic satisfaction and greater dyadic satisfaction predicted fewer anxiety symptoms. This study highlights the importance of considering relationship-focused contributors to mental health outcomes. Introduction: Military family caregivers (MFCs) may experience health-related challenges associated with their care-giving responsibilities. Perceived support from a spouse or partner can influence dyadic satisfaction and health outcomes among MFCs. This study assessed the relations among social support, dyadic satisfaction, and mental (i.e., depressive and anxiety symptoms) and physical (i.e., somatic symptoms) health outcomes in a sample of MFCs. Methods: Data were from a larger feasibility study evaluating an educational intervention. The sample consisted of 104 U.S. MFCs who were the spouse or partner of their care recipient. Care recipient data were not part of this study. Surveys were completed online. Hierarchical regression analyses and process modelling using mediation analysis were performed to examine research questions. Results: Greater social support from a spouse or partner was predictive of greater dyadic satisfaction ( F4, 94 = 5.50, p < 0.001), but not of mental or physical health outcomes. Greater levels of dyadic satisfaction were predictive of fewer anxiety symptoms ( F4, 93 = 3.32, p < 0.05), but not of depressive or somatic symptoms. Results also revealed significant indirect effects of dyadic satisfaction on depression symptoms (b = −0.11, SE = 0.06, 95% CI, −0.25 to −0.02, p < .05) and anxiety symptoms (b = −0.47, SE = 0.21, 95% CI, −0.93, −0.14, p < 0.05), but not somatic symptoms. Discussion: This study underscores the complex basis of MFC health outcomes and highlights the importance of considering relationship-focused contributors. Strategies aimed at enhancing dyadic satisfaction may be useful in improving health