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Published in: International Journal of Public Health 1/2016

01-01-2016 | Original Article

Longitudinal associations between social relationships at age 30 and internalising symptoms at age 42: findings from the Northern Swedish Cohort

Authors: Evelina Landstedt, Per E. Gustafsson, Klara Johansson, Anne Hammarström

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Objectives

Little is known on long-term consequences of poor social relationships in adulthood. The study aimed to examine associations between social relationships at age 30 and internalising symptoms at age 42.

Methods

Data was drawn from four waves of the Northern Swedish cohort (n = 1001, 94 % response rate). The outcome internalising symptoms was measured by a composite index of depressiveness and anxiety. A cumulative measure was constructed to reflect various aspects of social relationships. Multivariate ordinal logistic regressions were used, controlling for socioeconomic indicators and previous level of internalising symptoms.

Results

An accumulation of poor social relationships indicators at age 30 is related to internalising symptoms at age 42 in women (OR 1.30; CI 1.11–1.52) and men (OR 1.17; CI 1.02–1.36). The associations remained significant after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions

Poor quality of social relationships at age 30 can predict internalising symptoms 12 years later in both men and women even when previous mental health as well as financial disadvantage is accounted for. More research is required to further examine pathways and mechanisms as well as suitable interventions.
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Metadata
Title
Longitudinal associations between social relationships at age 30 and internalising symptoms at age 42: findings from the Northern Swedish Cohort
Authors
Evelina Landstedt
Per E. Gustafsson
Klara Johansson
Anne Hammarström
Publication date
01-01-2016
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-015-0691-x

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