The Association Between Social Network Factors with Depression and Anxiety at Different Life Stages

Community Ment Health J. 2018 Aug;54(6):842-854. doi: 10.1007/s10597-017-0195-7. Epub 2017 Nov 10.

Abstract

This study examines whether social network factors influence individual's depression and anxiety outcomes at different life stages. Data was drawn from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey. Hierarchical regression modelling was applied to examine the effects within and across different life stages. The depression and anxiety measures were taken from the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the social network factors were taken from the self-completion questionnaire. With the exception of social trust in seniors, the social network factors were significant predictors of depression and anxiety. This has practical implications for the design of social policy initiatives.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Social connectedness; Social isolation; Social trust.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Anxiety / epidemiology*
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Isolation / psychology*
  • Social Networking
  • Social Support*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult