Social support and psychological outcome in people with Parkinson's disease: Evidence for a specific pattern of associations

Objective. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between social support and psychological functioning in people with Parkinson's disease. Method. 34 participants with idiopathic Parkinson's disease completed a comprehensive range of social support assessments and measures of depression, anxiety, stress, general psychological distress and positive affect. Results. A clear pattern of relationships emerged, with the less satisfaction with social support, the higher the depression, anxiety and stress scores. Conversely, positive affect was related to more quantitative assessments of social support, such as the number of close relationships. Conclusion. The relationship between social support and psychological outcome in people with PD is complex. Furthermore, the complexity of this relationship should be addressed in any therapeutic attempts to relieve psychological distress and promote happiness.