Depression Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Depression, including details on clinical depression, medication, symptoms, treatment, counselling, therapy.

The impact of dyadic social support on self-efficacy and depression after radical prostatectomy.

Weber BA, Roberts BL, Yarandi H, Mills TL, Chumbler NR, Wajsman Z

University of Florida College of Nursing, Box 100197, Gainesville, FL 32610-0197, USA. bweber@ufl.edu

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of one-on-one peer support at enhancing self-efficacy and decreasing depression in older men treated by radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. METHODS: Six weeks after surgery, 72 men (M(age) = 60) were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 37) or control group ( n = 35). Treatment group participants were paired to form dyads with a trained support partner who had similar treatment and related side effects; control group participants received usual health care. Dyads met 8 times over 8 weeks to discuss concerns and coping strategies. RESULTS: At posttest, the treatment group had significantly higher self-efficacy than the controls (M = 328.89 and M = 304.54, respectively) and significantly less depression (M = 0.92 and M = 2.49, respectively). Depression outcomes remained significant when controlling baseline self-efficacy and social support (F = 4.845, p = .032). DISCUSSION: Findings confirm pilot study results and are theoretically consistent with the self-efficacy enhancing nature of vicarious experience described by Bandura in self-efficacy theory.

Published 7 August 2007 in J Aging Health, 19(4): 630-45.
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