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Chronic illness and depressive symptoms in late life

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  • Schnittker, Jason

Abstract

The relationship between illness and depressive symptoms is examined using a large, nationally representative, and longitudinal sample of Americans over the age of 50. Seven illnesses (cancer, stroke, heart condition, chronic obstructed pulmonary disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis) and three forms of disability (activities in daily living, mobility, and strength) substantially increase symptoms. Yet, most of these positive effects diminish with age. Multiplicative interactions between age and illness indicate that those who develop chronic illnesses earlier in life tend to report more depressive symptoms than do those who develop them later. Similarly, disability leads to more depressive symptoms when experienced at younger ages. This age-graded effect emerges even for illnesses that are known to share a biological substrate with depression (e.g. vascular disorders). The results are discussed with respect to theories of illness, depression, and aging.

Suggested Citation

  • Schnittker, Jason, 2005. "Chronic illness and depressive symptoms in late life," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 60(1), pages 13-23, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:60:y:2005:i:1:p:13-23
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    1. Siqin Wang & Yan Liu & Jack Lam & Zhe Gao, 2021. "Chronic Illness, Subjective Wellbeing, and Health Services Availability: A Study of Older Adults in Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-15, July.
    2. West, Jessica S., 2017. "Hearing impairment, social support, and depressive symptoms among U.S. adults: A test of the stress process paradigm," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 192(C), pages 94-101.
    3. Kiviruusu, Olli & Huurre, Taina & Aro, Hillevi, 2007. "Psychosocial resources and depression among chronically ill young adults: Are males more vulnerable?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(2), pages 173-186, July.
    4. Huanhuan Zhu & Lin Pan & Yiji Li & Huiming Jin & Qian Wang & Xin Liu & Cong Wang & Peng Liao & Xinyang Jiang & Luo Li, 2021. "Spatial Accessibility Assessment of Prehospital EMS with a Focus on the Elderly Population: A Case Study in Ningbo, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-17, September.

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