Article

PURPOSE: To examine the association between perceived social support and
self-reported depression among Veterans of the US Armed Forces ('Veterans') with
multiple sclerosis (MS), and differences in this relationship between specific
support subtypes (tangible, positive social interaction, emotional/informational
and affective). METHOD: Participants were Veterans with MS (N = 451) receiving
medical services through the Veterans Health Administration who completed mailed
surveys. Hierarchical regression examined the extent to which global perceived
social support concurrently predicted depression among a predominantly male
sample of individuals with MS. Exploratory correlational analyses examined the
relationship between specific subtypes of perceived social support and
depression. RESULTS: Greater global perceived social support was associated with
less depression after controlling for sociodemographic and disease-related
variables. In follow-up analyses examining specific subtypes of support, greater
positive social interaction, greater emotional/informational support, and greater
affective support were related to less depression. There was no relationship
between perceived tangible support and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions
aimed at increasing positive social interactions, expressed affection and
emotional/information support may be particularly helpful for individuals with MS
and their caregivers.

Langue : ANGLAIS