Geographic proximity and depressive symptoms in adult child caregivers: family support as a moderator

Abstract

Geographic proximity between older adults and their caregivers is considered to be a challenge for primary caregivers. This study compared the depressive symptoms of coresidence, short-distance and long-distance caregivers, and examined whether family support could moderate in between geographic proximity and depressive symptoms. Data were derived from a survey of 572 adult child primary caregivers in China in 2013. Geographic proximity was constructed as a categorical variable including coresidence, less than 30-minute distance, more than 30-minute distance by usual means of transportation. Family support was assessed by MSPSS Scale. Depressive symptoms were measured by CES-D scale. Multiple regression analyses were conducted. Family support was more beneficial for long-distance caregivers. The mean differences in depressive symptoms between coresidence and long-distance caregivers, and between short-distance and long-distance caregivers were reduced as family support increased. Family support is proven to be a helpful way to lessen depressive symptoms for long-distance adult child caregivers.