(PS8-12) Examining the Link: The Association Between Relationship Satisfaction and Depression in a Cardiac Patient Population

Intimate relationships are known to influence a variety of psychosocial and medical health outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. Previous research on medical populations suggests that partners’ mental health can either support or undermine maintenance of health behavior changes for patients with chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, and therefore affect health outcomes (Bouchard et al., 2023). Currently, there is a need for research on the associations between relationship satisfaction and mental health factors, especially among couples with cardiac illness. This research would enable the development of interventions that improve mental health and, consequently, physical health outcomes. Given the bidirectional influence of marital relationship quality on mental health, the present study explores the association between relationship satisfaction and depression among couples in which one of the partners experienced a recent cardiac event. Data were collected on 80 male-female dyads (Mage = 59.90, SDage = 10.97) as part of a larger study. Depression was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and relationship satisfaction was measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Bivariate regression was used to examine whether relationship satisfaction is associated with depression in cardiac patients and their partners. Results demonstrate that patient relationship satisfaction is associated with partner depression [F(1, 79) = 6.45, p = .013] and that partner relationship satisfaction is associated with partner depression, [F(1, 79) = 4.17, p = .045], suggesting that lower relationship satisfaction in both cardiac patients and their partners is related to higher depression in partners. Of note, neither patient nor partner relationship satisfaction was associated with patient depression. Present results differ from previous research suggesting that lower relationship satisfaction is related to greater depression in both partners (Whisman & Uebelacker, 2009). This novel finding points to a need for additional research about the ways that relationship satisfaction and mental health interact in a cardiac couples population so that interventions can be developed that align with the unique patterns that occur in couples with heart disease. Overall, the present findings obviate a need for interventions that target patients’ social support systems, which, in turn, impact their own health. Depression in either member of a couple can negatively impact patient health behaviors, so identifying ways to reduce depression in couples with cardiac illness may bolster patients’ attempts to adhere to essential lifestyle changes. Consideration of dyadic processes in future research will be paramount in the development of clinical interventions that take advantage of the intimate relationship as an agent of change. CBT interventions are well known to be effective for improving relationship satisfaction and reducing depression. Engaging with the couple, as opposed to an individual alone, can create a context for behavior change that fosters sustained progress over time. Assessing for depression and working with couples can strengthen interventions.