Abstract P817: The Mediation Effects of Perceived Social Support on the Association Between Optimism and Depressive Symptoms Among the Stroke Survivors and Caregiver Dyads

Abstract

Background: Depressive symptoms are a common psychological outcome in post-stroke management among stroke survivors and their caregivers. Optimism and social support are known to protect against depressive symptoms. However, little is know about how optimism and perceived social support contribute to depressive symptoms among stroke survivor-caregiver dyads. The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of perceived social support on the relationship between optimism and depressive symptoms among stroke-survivor and caregiver dyads. Methods: A total of 105 stroke survivor and caregiver dyads completed a survey two years after first stroke. Depressive symptoms, optimism, and perceived social support were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression, the Revised Life Orientation Test, and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. The dyadic actor-partner interdependence mediation analysis with distinguishable dyads was used to test the mediation effect on dyadic data. Results: Stroke survivors (mean age 58.7 years, 56% male) and their caregivers (mean age 56.7 years, 61% female) reported similar levels of depressive symptoms, optimism, and perceived social support,. Figure 1 presents the results. Individuals with higher levels of optimism had higher levels of perceived social support. Higher levels of optimism in caregivers were significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms of both caregivers and stroke survivors. Perceived social support significantly mediated the relationship between optimism and depressive symptoms for stroke survivors. Caregivers’ perceived social support was also a significant mediator between caregivers’ optimism and stroke survivors’ depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The findings suggest that interventions to improve dyad members’ social support would be beneficial to improve depressive symptoms of dyad members even for those who have lower levels of optimism.