Functional Disability and Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Older Couples: A Dyadic Examination of Bidirectional Influences and Temporal Dynamics

Dexia Kong, Xiaomin Li, Yaxin Lan, Meng Huo, Xiaoling Xiang, Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Department of Social Work, School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Department of Human Ecology, University of California Davis, School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Journal of Aging and Health

Published online on June 26, 2025

Abstract

Journal of Aging and Health, Volume 38, Issue 7-8, Page 414-426, August 2026.
ObjectivesThis study examines the bidirectional influences between functional disability and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older couples, emphasizing the temporal dynamics and co-development of partners’ experiences.MethodsLongitudinal data were ...