Psychosocial resources and depression among chronically ill young adults: Are males more vulnerable?

This population-based study examined the association between chronic illness and depression and the role of psychosocial resources (coping styles, locus of control (LOC) and social support) in this association, among young Finnish adults aged 32. Gender differences in these phenomena were also investigated. The study was based on questionnaire data from a Finnish cohort study. Participants with self-reported chronic illness (e.g. diabetes, asthma, migraine) were grouped together (n=257) and compared to healthy controls (n=664). The results showed that the chronically ill males were more depressed than healthy control males. They also used more emotion-focused coping, had a more external LOC and were less often married or cohabiting than healthy males. The association between chronic illness and depression among males attenuated when the effects of emotion-focused coping disposition and LOC were taken into account, indicating a possible mediating role for these resources. Among females no differences were found in depression or psychosocial resources between the chronically ill and healthy control groups. Psychosocial resources, especially LOC, explained the gender difference in the association between chronic illness and depression. Only a few buffering effects of psychosocial resources emerged: an active problem-solving coping disposition among the chronically ill males and perceived social support among the chronically ill females seemed to act as buffers against depression. The results indicated a significant gender disparity in the association between chronic illness and depression among young adults and emphasised the role of psychosocial resources in this context. With regard to prevention we suggest that, chronically ill young adult males should be recognised as a risk group for depression that would probably benefit from guidance in learning more active coping skills and maintaining a sense of personal control in facing chronic physical illness.