The effects of an acute stressor on depressive symptoms among older adults: The moderating effects of social support and age

Kimberly A. Tyler, Dan R. Hoyt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study uses longitudinal data to examine the potential moderating effects of social support and age among older adults exposed to an acute stressor. Using a sample of 651 older persons, data were gathered in the spring of 1992 and in the fall of 1993, approximately 60 days after the peak impact of flooding in the Midwest. Results indicate a positive association between pre- and postflood depression and a negative association between social support and postflood depression. For the youngest of the two older age groups, there is also a positive association between flood exposure and postflood depression, controlling for prior levels of depression. Age interactions reveal that social support moderates the effects of flood exposure on depression only for the younger age group.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)143-164
Number of pages22
JournalResearch on Aging
Volume22
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2000
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Health(social science)
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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