A relationship-focused investigation of spousal psychological adjustment to dual-sensory loss. (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lehane, Christine M.; Elsass, Peter; Hovaldt, Hanna B.; Dammeyer, Jesper
• Is Part Of: Aging & mental health. Volume 22:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 397
• Page End: 404
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Dual-sensory loss -- illness communication -- relationship satisfaction -- caregiver spouse -- psychological well-being; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Aging -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Aged -- psychology -- periodicals; Mental Health -- periodicals; Mental Health Services -- periodicals; Aging -- psychology -- periodicals; Aged, 80 and over -- psychology -- periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2016.1268091
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-7863

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: The relationship intimacy model of psychosocial adjustment to illness indicates that a patient's willingness to communicate about their illness, as perceived by the spouse, is a strong predictor of spouse relational and psychological well-being. Inspired by the relationship intimacy model, the current study examined the psychological adjustment of spouses of individuals with dual-sensory loss (DSL), a disability where interpersonal communication is of particular concern. Method: Surveys were sent to all known individuals and their partners who were 50 years of age or older and were enrolled in services for acquired DSL in Denmark. A total of 65 spouses met the inclusion criteria of which 45 (69%) returned a partner survey. Results: Results showed a significant association between couples' sensory loss-related communication, relationship satisfaction, perceived support and psychological well-being. Perceived support significantly mediated the association between couples' sensory loss communication and spouse psychological well-being. Conclusion: The current study's findings provide support for a relationship-focused perspective of spousal psychological adjustment in the context of DSL. Further, couples' sensory loss-related communication is presented as a potential intervention target to enhance spouse perceived support and psychological well-being.