Perceived family support as a moderator psychological well-being in end-stage renal disease

• Published in: Journal of behavioral medicine Vol. 12; no. 3; p. 249
• Main Authors: Christensen, A J, Turner, C W, Slaughter, J R, Holman, Jr, J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.1989
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Anxiety - diagnosis; Attitude to Health; Depression - diagnosis; Family; Female; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic - psychology; Kidney Failure, Chronic - surgery; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Personality Inventory; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Social Environment; Social Support; Stress, Psychological - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0160-7715; 1573-3521
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00844870

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with an increased incidence of psychological distress. The present research examined the salutary effects of a supportive family environment on the psychological well-being of ESRD patients receiving renal transplants. Patients (N = 57) completed a measure of perceived family support and an assessment of the physical impact of their illness. Psychological well-being was assessed utilizing two measures of depression and two measures of anxiety. One group of patients was classified as experiencing high illness-related physical dysfunction. In this group, patients perceiving a less supportive family environment displayed significantly higher levels of psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety than patients with a more supportive family environment. A second group of patients was classified as experiencing low illness-related physical dysfunction. In this group, the perceived level of family support was not significantly related to their relatively lower reported levels of depression and anxiety.