Perceptions of Partner Support and Relationship Satisfaction in Older Couples Living With Multiple Chronic Conditions

Abstract

Multiple chronic conditions are highly prevalent in middle and later life and may pose distinct challenges for older couples. The purpose of my honors thesis is to examine how discordance regarding perceptions of partner support patterns (i.e., if one partner helps the other more or if they both help about equally) among older couples in which both partners live with multiple chronic conditions may influence their relationship. I have two research questions: Is discordance in perceptions of partner support patterns associated with lower relationship satisfaction, and How do couples who are discordant versus concordant in perceptions of partner support patterns differ in their views about partner support? The sample included 51 heterosexual couples. Both partners completed phone interviews with scaled and open-ended questions about chronic illness and their relationship. There were 20 discordant and 31 concordant couples. Discordant couples reported lower relationship satisfaction than concordant couples, but this difference was not statistically significant. Discordant and concordant couples differed in their views regarding what they would change or keep the same about partner support. There were four major themes for discordant couples: more partner support, more communication about health and support needs, more engagement in health-related activities, and no desired changes. There were four major themes for concordant couples: more partner support, working together to manage multiple chronic conditions, better partner self-management, and no desired changes. This research informs the development of targeted interventions for couples in which both partners live with multiple chronic conditions and highlights the value of examining discordance and concordance in perceptions of partner support patterns.