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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Published in:

01-02-2013 | Original Paper

Perceived social support helps, but does not buffer the negative impact of anxiety disorders on quality of life and perceived stress

Authors: Georgia Panayiotou, Maria Karekla

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Purpose

Anxiety disorders are prevalent and substantially hinder quality of life, in all domains, including social connections, mental and physical health. Past research on stress indicates that perceived social support improves wellbeing both directly by providing positive experiences and indirectly through buffering the effects of stress. This study examined whether social support moderates the negative impact of anxiety disorders on quality of life.

Method

The study was conducted on a community sample in Cyprus, screened for anxiety disorders. The hypothesized model takes into account potential differences between individuals with and without anxiety in health, tendency to seek support, stressful life events, and depression. Furthermore, differences between different anxiety disorders on these variables were examined.

Results

Results indicate that perceived social support has a positive, direct effect on quality of life and perceived stress for all participants but that it does not appear to moderate the adverse effects of having a disorder on quality of life or stress. The negative effects of anxiety appeared to mostly be carried by comorbid depression.

Conclusions

Social support is important for quality of life. Potential interventions for anxiety disorders should take this into account, as well as the substantially detrimental role of co-morbid depression symptoms on wellbeing outcomes.

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Title: Perceived social support helps, but does not buffer the negative impact of anxiety disorders on quality of life and perceived stress
Authors: Georgia Panayiotou
Maria Karekla
Publication date: 01-02-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-012-0533-6

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Perceived social support helps, but does not buffer the negative impact of anxiety disorders on quality of life and perceived stress

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

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