Influence of Functional Impairment and Social Support on Depressive Symptoms in Persons With Diabetes

Tested the buffering model of social support among 158 adults with diabetes. We predicted that, among patients with higher levels of illness-related impairment, adequate social support would act as a buffer against depression. Measures included the Beck Depression Inventory; the Sickness Impact Prof...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health psychology 1990, Vol.9 (6), p.737-749
Main Authors: Littlefield, Christine H, Rodin, Gary M, Murray, Michael A, Craven, John L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Depression - psychology
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - psychology
Diabetic Nephropathies - psychology
Female
Human
Humans
Kidney Function Tests
Major Depression
Male
Middle Aged
Personality Tests
Severity (Disorders)
Sick Role
Social Support
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Summary:Tested the buffering model of social support among 158 adults with diabetes. We predicted that, among patients with higher levels of illness-related impairment, adequate social support would act as a buffer against depression. Measures included the Beck Depression Inventory; the Sickness Impact Profile; and an assessment of the adequacy of social support to enable the patient to deal with illness-related tasks, domestic chores, financial responsibilities, and emotional needs. Depressive symptoms correlated positively with functional impairment (r = .58, p < .001) and negatively with the adequacy of social support (r = −.31, p < .001). In addition, social support moderated depression in the face of greater impairment such that, among patients who reported the most illness-related functional disabilities, adequate support provided a relative protection from depression. The findings suggest that individuals with inadequate support are most at risk to become depressed when disability related to illness increases. Key words: depression, diabetes, illness, impairment, social support
ISSN:0278-6133
1930-7810
DOI:10.1037/0278-6133.9.6.737