Evaluating an interpersonal model of depression among adults with Downs syndrome.

2007

Tamar Heller
[email protected]
312-413-1647

Ailey, S.H., Miller, A.M., Heller, T. & Smith, E.V. (2006). Evaluating an interpersonal model of depression among adults with Downs syndrome. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice 20(3), 229-246. The Interpersonal Model of Depression (IMD) based on the Theory of Human Relatedness (Hagerty, Lynch-Sauer, Patusky, & Bouwsema, 1993) is evaluated among adults with Down syndrome. One hundred subjects participated, with 32% having elevated depression scores and 40% stating they felt lonely. The relationship between depression, perceived social support, loneliness, and life satisfaction is statistically significant, F(6, 172) = 4.36, p < .001. Loneliness, social isolation, loss of sense of well-being, self-hate, and social withdrawal are important interpersonal manifestations and represent increasing levels of depression. Social and emotional loneliness are two dimensions of loneliness. The IMD provides a framework to assess depression in this population. Research on the efficacy of depression treatment based on the IMD is needed.

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals Published/In Press

Consumers/Families, Professionals, Students

N/A