Reciprocal Support within Intimate Relationships: Examining the Association with Depression and Anxiety

Abstract

Sociological research has established the importance of social support for mental health. Although social support is exchanged within relationships, most research on the relationship between support and mental health examines the perspective of only one person. This study uses the Actor-partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to examine the relationship between perceived support and depressive and anxiety symptoms in intimate partner relationships. Results show that when one perceives more support from one’s partner, one’s depressive and anxiety symptoms are lower. These results are not moderated by gender. Findings indicate that, while one’s own perceived support affects one’s own mental health, one’s partner’s perceived support does not affect one’s mental health, either directly or through moderation. This study advances prior research by examining support and mental health within intimate partner relationships from the perspectives of both relationship partners. Further research using longitudinal data is recommended.