Impact of Missing Important Social Activities on Caregiver Depression
Author Information
Author(s): Zhao Yuanchang, Yan Mengzhao, Kelley Jessica
Primary Institution: Case Western Reserve University
Hypothesis
Missing specific activities that are important to the caregiver will have a more negative impact on depressive symptoms.
Conclusion
Limiting social and recreational activities due to caregiving raises the risk of poor mental health, especially when those activities are highly valued by the caregiver.
Supporting Evidence
- For each additional activity caregivers miss, they have 54% increased odds of depressive symptoms.
- Missing any activity considered 'important' by the caregiver had 70% higher odds of depressive symptoms.
- Missing outdoor activities increased odds of depressive symptoms by 216%.
- Missing outdoor activities considered 'important' had 234% higher odds of depressive symptoms.
Takeaway
If caregivers can't do activities they really care about, they can feel much sadder. The more important the activity, the worse they feel when they miss it.
Methodology
Utilized Round 12 National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) data focused on family caregivers to people aged 65+.
Participant Demographics
Family caregivers to people aged 65 and older.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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