The effects of social support on the relationship of functional limitations and pain to depression.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the effects of social support on the relationship of functional impairments and pain to depression.


METHODS
Fifty-nine persons with end-stage joint disease (27 men and 32 women with an average age of 65 years) were interviewed. The Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS) was used to assess functional impairment and depression. The modified Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors was used to assess 4 types of social support (emotional, informational, tangible, and integrative).


RESULTS
Contrary to the moderator model of social support, only low tangible support attenuated the adverse effects of functional impairments on depression, while other levels of this type and 3 other types of support either had no effect or enhanced the deleterious effects of functional impairments. Social support did not attenuate the relationship between pain and depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that certain types and levels of social support may reduce the effects of functional limitation and pain on depression, while other types and levels may increase their adverse effects.
Roberts
B L
BL
Matecjyck
M B
MB
Anthony
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires