Mental Health and Spouse Support Among Older Couples Living With Sensory Loss.

Abstract

The current study examined the mental health of couples living with and without sensory loss; compared the mental health of couples living with hearing, vision, or dual-sensory loss; and investigated the association between spouse support and the mental health of couples living with sensory loss. The study included 513 couples with sensory loss and 1,079 couples without sensory loss. Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were used to examine associations between spouse support and mental health. Controlling for potential covariates, individuals with sensory loss and their spouses were at a greater risk of mental health problems. Sensory loss modality (hearing and/or vision) did not explain any differences. Both actor and partner effects of spouse support on anxiety and depression were found. The findings highlight the need to support the mental health of couples living with sensory loss and indicate the importance of considering the intimate relationship in future studies.