Mediating role of dyadic satisfaction on social support and health outcomes in a sample of military family caregivers

Introduction: Military family caregivers (MFCs) may experience health-related challenges associated with their caregiving responsibilities. Perceived support from a spouse or partner can influence dyadic satisfaction and health outcomes among MFCs. This study assessed the relations among social support, dyadic satisfaction, and mental ( i.e., depressive and anxiety symptoms) and physical ( i.e., somatic symptoms) health outcomes in a sample of MFCs. Methods: Data were from a larger feasibility study evaluating an educational intervention. The sample consisted of 104 U.S. MFCs who were the spouse or partner of their care recipient. Care recipient data were not part of this study. Surveys were completed online. Hierarchical regression analyses and process modelling using mediation analysis were performed to examine research questions. Results: Greater social support from a spouse or partner was predictive of greater dyadic satisfaction (F-4,F- 94 = 5.50, p < 0.001), but not of mental or physical health outcomes. Greater levels of dyadic satisfaction were predictive of fewer anxiety symptoms (F4, 93 = 3.32, p < 0.05), but not of depressive or somatic symptoms. Results also revealed significant indirect effects of dyadic satisfaction on depression symptoms (beta = -0.11, SE = 0.06, 95% CI, -0.25 to -0.02, p < 0.05) and anxiety symptoms (beta = -0.47, SE = 0.21, 95% CI, -0.93 to -0.14, p < 0.05), but not somatic symptoms. Discussion: This study underscores the complex basis of MFC health outcomes and highlights the importance of considering relationship-focused contributors. Strategies aimed at enhancing dyadic satisfaction may be useful in improving health outcomes for MFCs and are worth considering as complements to existing strategies. Results from this study may have potentially noteworthy clinical and public health implications.