Dyadic links between health changes and well-being

The role of non-spousal confidants

Bibliographic Data

ID2931139
AuthorsLynn M Martire (0000-0001-5465-9132, Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA, corresponding author), Ruixue Zhaoyang (0000-0002-8049-3399, Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA), Christina M Marini (0000-0002-4594-1897, Adelphi University), Soya Nah (0000-0003-2061-9794, Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA)
Year2022
Volume39
Issue8
Pages2617-2638
Publication date2022-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/02654075221086509
PMID37033718
OpenAlexW4224256162
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited55

Although the marital relationship is often the primary source of emotional support in adulthood, sole reliance on the spouse to discuss health-related issues may be harmful to the well-being of both partners. The first aim of this study was to examine whether declines in health during later life would be associated with poorer psychological well-being in self and partner. We further investigated whether declining health would have a stronger impact on own and partner psychological well-being in the absence of non-spousal health confidants. Longitudinal actor-partner interdependence models (APIMs) were used to test both hypotheses with dyadic data from Wave 2 (2010-2011) and Wave 3 (2015-2016) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). Contrary to prediction, increased anxiety following spousal declines in gait speed and cognitive function occurred for those whose spouse did (rather than did not) have additional health confidants. A much fuller understanding is needed in regard to whether close relationships provide resources or present unwanted complications to dyadic coping, and the processes by which effects occur

Anxiety · Cognition · Coping (psychology · Developmental psychology · Partner effects · Psychiatry · Social support · Spouse · Aging and Gerontology Research · Clinical Psychology · Health disparities and outcomes · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access