Social relationships, mental health and wellbeing in physical disability: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundResearch has consistently found that favourable exchange with one’s proximal social environment has positive effects on both mental health and wellbeing. Adults with physical disabilities may have fewer opportunities of favourable exchange, and therefore the effects on mental health and wellbeing may be less advantageous. The aim of this study is to systematically review quantitative studies exploring associations of social relationships with mental health and wellbeing in persons with physical disabilities.MethodsThe databases PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched for relevant studies published between 1995 and 2016. Data was extracted on study and participants’ characteristics, independent and dependent variables, used measures and effects sizes of associations between social relationships and mental health or wellbeing. A narrative review was performed to synthesize findings along the constructs social support, social networks, negative social interactions, family functioning and relationship quality.ResultsOf the 63 included studies, 47 were cross-sectional and 16 longitudinal. Most studies included a measure of social support (n = 58), while other concepts were less often studied (social networks n = 6; negative social interaction n = 3; family functioning n = 2; relationship quality n = 1). Over half of studies included depression as outcome (n = 33), followed by wellbeing (n = 14), composite mental health measures (n = 10), anxiety (n = 8), psychological distress (n = 7), posttraumatic stress disorder (n = 3), and hopelessness (n = 1). Although trends for associations of social support with mental health and wellbeing were consistent, around a quarter of studies failed to report significant associations. Social networks were related to depression, but not to other mental health or wellbeing measures. Family functioning, negative social interactions and relationship quality showed consistent associations with mental health and wellbeing, however, only few studies were available.ConclusionsThis review indicates that social relationships play an important role in mental health and wellbeing in persons with disabilities, although findings are less consistent than in general populations and strength of associations vary between constructs. Integrating persons with disabilities into social networks seems not sufficient and rehabilitation professionals together with affected persons and their peers should ensure that high quality relationships and tailored support are available.

Predictors of mental health and well‐being in employed adults with autism spectrum disorder at 12‐month follow‐up

“…In non-ASD populations, social support has been shown to predict life satisfaction [Strizovi c & Mratinkovi c, 2016] and positive well-being [Wilhelm et al, 2010], improves long-term depression trajectories [Heinz et al, 2018], and provides a protective effect during crisis [Henderson, 1981]. In adults with physical disabilities, perceived quality of social support is associated with depression and anxiety (negatively) and positive well-being (positively) [Tough, Siegrist, & Fekete, 2017].…”

The Family and Disability in Ghana: Highlighting Gaps in Achieving Social Inclusion

“…Their right to participation is possibly curtailed and they are unable to engage in lifeimproving activities. Interestingly, in advanced societies, the situation seems not too different as families delegate their caregiving responsibility to carers or even keep their children with disabilities in respite homes (Nakade et al, 2017;Sauer & Lalvani, 2017;Tough et al, 2017). This contributes to poor social networks or weak bonds between the family and the child (Lim, 2017).…”

Erratum to: Social relationships, mental health and wellbeing in physical disability: a systematic review

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ErratumFollowing publication of this article [1], it has come to our attention that a part of Fig. 1 was included in error.

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