Mental Health and Spouse Support Among Older Couples Living With Sensory Loss.

OBJECTIVES: The current study examined the mental health of couples living with and without sensory loss; compared the mental health of couples living with hearing, vision, or dual-sensory loss; and investigated the association between spouse support and the mental health of couples living with sensory loss.

METHOD: The study included 513 couples with sensory loss and 1,079 couples without sensory loss. Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were used to examine associations between spouse support and mental health.

RESULTS: Controlling for potential covariates, individuals with sensory loss and their spouses were at a greater risk of mental health problems. Sensory loss modality (hearing and/or vision) did not explain any differences. Both actor and partner effects of spouse support on anxiety and depression were found.

DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the need to support the mental health of couples living with sensory loss and indicate the importance of considering the intimate relationship in future studies.