Husbands' stroke and high blood pressure were associated with increased depressive symptomatology among wives, whereas husbands were unaffected by wives' physical health.
Cross-Sectional (n=4,368)
Husbands' stroke and high blood pressure are associated with increased depressive symptoms in their wives, highlighting sex differences in psychological distress related to physical health.
This study examined the associations among chronic health conditions, sociodemographic factors, and depressive symptomatology in older married couples. Data from the 2004 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (n = 2,184 couples) were analyzed. Results indicated a reciprocal relationship in depressive symptoms between spouses. Additionally, post hoc analyses indicated that husbands' stroke and high blood pressure were related to increased depressive symptomatology among wives. Beyond the reciprocal relationship, husbands were unaffected by wives' health. These results suggest sex differences underlying psychological distress in the context of physical health among older adults and that older women with husbands who have high levels of depressive symptomatology, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke may be at particular risk of experiencing depressive symptoms.
Ayotte et al. (2010) conducted a cross-sectional in Depressive symptomatology (n=4,368). Spousal chronic health conditions and depressive symptoms was evaluated on Depressive symptomatology. Husbands' stroke and high blood pressure were associated with increased depressive symptomatology among wives, whereas husbands were unaffected by wives' physical health.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: