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Social productivity and depressive symptoms in early old age -- results from the GAZEL study.

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Title: Social productivity and depressive symptoms in early old age -- results from the GAZEL study.
Authors: Wahrendorf M (AUTHOR), Ribet C (AUTHOR), Zins M (AUTHOR), Siegrist J (AUTHOR)
Source: Aging & Mental Health. May2008, Vol. 12 Issue 3, p310-316. 7p.
Abstract: Objectives: We test associations of frequency of performing three types of socially productive activities (voluntary work, informal help and caring for a person) with depressive symptoms in older people. Are depressive symptoms negatively associated with frequency in all three types or rather in those activities that are characterized by a high degree of autonomy and perceived control? Methods: Data on social activities and frequency of performance were collected in the frame of the annual follow-up of the French GAZEL cohort study in 2005. Depressive symptoms were measured by the CES-D scale. Perceived control was assessed by two items of a quality of life measure (CASP-19). Total of 14477 respondents aged 52-66 years completed a standardized questionnaire. Linear regression models were calculated adjusting for important confounders including self-rated health assessed during the previous year. Results: In activities characterized by high autonomy (in particular voluntary work) a negative association of frequency with depressive symptoms was observed, whereas the reverse effect was found in the type of activity with low autonomy (care for a person). Perceived control mediated in part the association of frequency of activity with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Being often socially productive in early old age may contribute to well-being to the extent that autonomy and perceived control are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:Objectives: We test associations of frequency of performing three types of socially productive activities (voluntary work, informal help and caring for a person) with depressive symptoms in older people. Are depressive symptoms negatively associated with frequency in all three types or rather in those activities that are characterized by a high degree of autonomy and perceived control? Methods: Data on social activities and frequency of performance were collected in the frame of the annual follow-up of the French GAZEL cohort study in 2005. Depressive symptoms were measured by the CES-D scale. Perceived control was assessed by two items of a quality of life measure (CASP-19). Total of 14477 respondents aged 52-66 years completed a standardized questionnaire. Linear regression models were calculated adjusting for important confounders including self-rated health assessed during the previous year. Results: In activities characterized by high autonomy (in particular voluntary work) a negative association of frequency with depressive symptoms was observed, whereas the reverse effect was found in the type of activity with low autonomy (care for a person). Perceived control mediated in part the association of frequency of activity with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Being often socially productive in early old age may contribute to well-being to the extent that autonomy and perceived control are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:13607863
DOI:10.1080/13607860802120805