Associations Between Attachment and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults Living With Early-Stage Cognitive Impairment and Their Adult Children.

Objectives: This study examined the extent to which multiple relationship-specific attachment schemas (general, parent-child, and romantic) are interrelated and relate to depressive symptoms among older adults living with early-stage dementia and their adult children, a context likely to activate the attachment system.

Methods: The study consisted of 150 early-stage cognitively impaired parents and one child. Both self-reported general, parent-child, and romantic attachment anxiety as well as avoidance and depressive symptoms.

Positive affect expression during a play interaction and psychological health among older adults living with cognitive impairment and their adult children.

Objectives: We examined the extent to which positive affect expression in play interactions between adult children and their parents living with cognitive impairment was associated with lower depressive symptoms and mental health difficulties for both dyad members. Gender differences in positive affect expression were also examined.

Method: Dyads ( = 126) self-reported their depressive symptoms and mental health difficulties.