DYADIC COPING AND WELL-BEING AMONG COUPLES TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER

Abstract

Abstract Background In the context of population aging, more and more couples would have the chance to taking care of each other when one or both of them experience functioning decline. Objective: Taking a dyadic perspective, the objective of this study is to examine collaborative dynamics in mastering daily stressors, and the relationship between couples’ practice of dyadic coping and individual well-being. Method: A total of 77 dyads were recruited from community elderly centres located in four different geographic locations of Hong Kong. Potential participants who met the following inclusion criteria: (1) both partners aged 60 or above; (2) both partners living alone in the same household; (3) one or both partners reporting at least one limitation in performing ADLs and/or IADLs, were invited to complete a survey questionnaire interviewed by trained researchers. Standardized measures by Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI), Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), EQ-5D, and Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), respectively. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) framework was used for data analysis. Findings: The most adopted collaborative coping strategies were non-negative dyadic coping of oneself, non-negative dyadic coping of the partner, and common dyadic coping. Supportive and delegated dyadic coping strategies were strongly associated with marital satisfaction and health-related quality of life. Conclusion Collaborative dynamics among couples when one or both experience functional impairment is associated with quality of relationship. The findings advocate a shift from individual-based stress process on caregiving to a dyadic-based process that address joint needs of both spouses in super-aging societies globally.Funding: RGC 17605119