Testing the stress-buffering hypothesis of social support in couples coping with early-stage dementia

Abstract

Objectives: To test the stress-buffering hypothesis of social support in couples coping with early-stage dementia for the whole sample (Hypothesis 1), in partners with dementia and in caregivers (Hypothesis 2), and from one partner to the other (Hypothesis 3). Method: A total of 108 couples (N=216 individuals) comprised of one individual with early-stage dementia and one caregiving partner were assessed at baseline and one month apart. Interaction effects of perceived distress and perceived social support on health-related quality of life were investigated by applying linear mixed models and actor-partner interdependence models. Results: The negative association of perceived distress and health-related quality of life was buffered by perceived social support (B =.14, p <.001), supporting the first hypothesis. While the stress-buffering effect was equally present in partners with dementia (B = .17, p < .01) and in the caregivers (B = .13, p < .05; Hypothesis 2), it functioned as an actor-only effect within individuals, (B = .14, p < .001) but did not occur between individuals, i.e. from one partner to his or her counterpart (Hypothesis 3). Conclusion: The stress-buffering effect has been replicated in individuals with dementia as well as in their caregivers with strong within-subject effects rather than across partners. Interventions to improve quality of life through social support should not only focus on caregivers, but should incorporate both the partner with dementia and their caregiving counterpart.