Journal
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
Volume 204, Issue -, Pages 59-69Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.06.032
Keywords
Depression; Anxiety; Social support; Social networks; Loneliness; Social isolation; Older adults
Categories
Funding
- Government of Ireland through the Office of the Minister for Health and Children
- Atlantic Philanthropies
- Irish Life
- People Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme FP7 under REA [316795]
- Miguel Servet contract [CP13/00150]
- ISCIII - General Branch Evaluation and Promotion of Health Research
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
- Foundation for Education and European Culture (IPEP)
- Sara Borrell postdoctoral programme from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII - Spain) [CD15/00019]
- Fondos Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)
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Background: Data is lacking on the association of interpersonal stressors and social isolation with mental disorders and the mediating role of loneliness. Thus, we examined this association prospectively using community-based data. Methods: Data on 6105 adults aged >= 50 years from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) was analyzed. Mental health outcomes were assessed 2 years after baseline. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated with validated scales. Multivariable linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted. Results: Higher levels of spousal support, less strain from spouse and better social network integration were protective against depressive symptoms in men. Social support from friends and children was protective against depressive symptoms in both genders. Higher levels of social strain from children were positively associated with depressive symptoms in women. Loneliness was a significant mediator in the majority of these associations. Conclusion: Interventions aimed at increasing relationship quality and strengthening existing social network structures, with a specific focus on reducing feelings of loneliness, may be beneficial in the prevention of depressive symptoms among older adults. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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