Relation between Perceived Social Support and psychological Stress among patients with Depressive disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Nursing Specialist, Kafer El Sheikh Fever Hospital,Egypt

2 Assistant Professor of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

3 Professor and Head of Neuro psychiatry Department Faculty of Medicine , Tanta University, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract: Persons with depression live under the dark shadow of sustained stress of mental illness. Perceived social support significantly predicts the patient's ability to cope with stress and support network has been found to reduce the negative effects of stress.  Aim of this study: It was conducted to determine the relation between perceived social support and psychological stress among patients with depressive disorders. Design: This study followed a descriptive research design. Setting: The study was conducted at Neuro psychiatry inpatient departments of Tanta University Hospital. Subject: A convenience sample of 150 patients was diagnosed with depressive disorder in the above previously mentioned setting was selected. Tools: Two tools of were used to carry out this study Tool (1) Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Tool (2) Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: Majority of the studied subjects had poor level of perceived social support and moderate level of perceived stress and there was a non- significant relation between perceived stress level and perceived social support level. Conclusion: The study concluded that, social support has important in reducing  stress among patients with depression. In other words patient who has social support are more likely to experience stress. Recommendation: Developing of social skill training program for patients with depressive disorders. Develop training program for nurses about the importance of social support to patients and their families during difficult times.