Functional Limitations, Spousal Care Arrangements, and Depressive Symptoms Among Couples

Sae Hwang Han , University of Massachusetts Boston
Kyungmin Kim, University of Massachusetts Boston
Jeffrey A. Burr, University of Massachusetts Boston

Scientific research consistently demonstrates that activity limitations are associated with depression among older adults, and that there are cross-spousal linkages between activity limitations and depression among couples. Drawing from the stress process model, we aimed to expand the literature by examining the moderating role of spousal care. Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2004-2014) were analyzed to estimate within-person associations between one’s own and spousal activity limitations, receipt and provision of spousal care, and depressive symptoms. Findings showed a consistent link between one’s own activity limitations and depressive symptoms for both spouses, whereas spousal activity limitations were associated with depressive symptoms for wives only. We also found moderating effects of receipt and provision of spousal care in the link between one’s own and spousal activity limitations and depressive symptoms. Importantly, our findings suggested that receipt of spousal support may have differential effects on depression for wives and husbands.

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 Presented in Session 77. Marital Relationships and Well-being