DIMENSIONS OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT IN CLINICALLY DEPRESSED AND NONDEPRESSED FEMALE CAREGIVERS PSYCHOLOGY AND AGING Rivera, P. A., Rose, J. M., FUTTERMAN, A., LOVETT, S. B., GALLAGHERTHOMPSON, D. 1991; 6 (2): 232-237

Abstract

The relationship between social support and depression was studied in 165 women caring for frail family members. The Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule (Barrera, Sandler, & Ramsay, 1981), which includes 4 dimensions of availability and use of resources and satisfaction with and need for support, was used to examine 7 categories of supportive activity. Depression was assessed according to Research Diagnostic Criteria (Spitzer, Endicott, & Robins, 1978) with the Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (Endicott & Spitzer, 1978). There were no differences in overall satisfaction with received support in comparisons of depressed and nondepressed caregivers. However, depressed caregivers (n = 87) reported a higher incidence of negative interactions with others. Both groups appeared to have equal access to social support, with nondepressed caregivers (n = 78) reporting significantly greater use of those resources.

View details for Web of Science ID A1991FQ04500008

View details for PubMedID 1863392