Psychology Update — Research: Face-to-face socializing more powerful than phone calls, emails in guarding against depression in older adults

Posted November 23rd, 2015 by David Berg & filed under Psychology Update.

TITLE

Research: Face-to-face socializing more powerful than phone calls, emails in guarding against depression in older adults

DESCRIPTION

The study asked the question as to whether face to face contact (in person) between family members ameliorated the risk of developing depression as compared to contact through other forms of communication (written, social media, phone, and email). The large study followed subjects (geriatric population) over a two year period. “Study participants who met up with family and friends at least three times a week had the lowest level of depressive symptoms two years later – 6.5 percent – than those who had less frequent contact. Individuals who met up just once every few months or less frequently had an 11.5 percent chance of depressive symptoms.”

SOURCE

Oregon Health and Science University, October 5, 2015

Original Source:

Teo, A. R. and others, (2015), Does Mode of Contact with Different Types of Social Relationships Predict Depression in Older Adults? Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Volume 63, Issue 10, pages 2014–2022, October 2015.

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/about/news_events/news/2015/10-05-research-face-to-face-s.cfm

Link to original source (shortened URL):
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.13667/abstract

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•Begin with a discussion of the effects of social isolation in an elderly population and possible sequelae such as depression.
•Discuss the variety of types of communication (face to face, social media, and so on).
•Critical thinking question: The findings of the study point out that an in person communication is a factor in lower levels of frequency of depression. Is this possibly a cohort issue? That is those in the elderly category are less likely to rely on social media and email.
•Critical thinking question: if the students were establishing a health program for geriatric individuals,what recommendations would they make knowing the results of this study?