Abstract
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with an increased incidence of psychological distress. The present research examined the salutary effects of a supportive family environment on the psychological well-being of ESRD patients receiving renal transplants. Patients (N=57) completed a measure of perceived family support and an assessment of the physical impact of their illness. Psychological well-being was assessed utilizing two measures of depression and two measures of anxiety. One group of patients was classified as experiencing high illness-related physical dysfunction. In this group, patients perceiving a less supportive family environment displayed significantly higher levels of psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety than patients with a more supportive family environment. A second group of patients was classified as experiencing low illness-related physical dysfunction. In this group, the perceived level of family support was not significantly related to their relatively lower reported levels of depression and anxiety.
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The research was supported in part by a Biomedical Sciences Research Group grant from the University of Utah to Charles W. Turner.
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Christensen, A.J., Turner, C.W., Slaughter, J.R. et al. Perceived family support as a moderator psychological well-being in end-stage renal disease. J Behav Med 12, 249–265 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00844870
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00844870