A - 86 Perceived Social Support Predicts Everyday Cognition for Daily Functioning beyond Geriatric Anxiety and Depression

Abstract Objective Previous literature has found that social support can be a protective factor for older adults experiencing declines in their everyday cognition for daily functioning – or adaptive functioning (AdaptF). In contrast, depression and anxiety are risk factors for AdaptF impairment. This study examines the effect of perceived social support on AdaptF while controlling for anxiety and depression. Method Older adults (N = 126; Mage = 73.4; 60% female) completed the Measure of Everyday Cognition (ECOG) for AdaptF, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Geriatric Anxiety Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale as part of a neuropsychological evaluation. Hierarchical regression was used, with anxiety and depression in Model 1 and perceived social support in Model 2. Results Model 1 explained 21.5% of the variance, F(2, 123) = 18.13, p < 0.001. Model 2 explained an additional 4.9% and was significant, ΔR2 = 0.264, F(3, 122) = 15.92, p < 0.001. Depression was significant in Model 1, β = −0.32, p = 0.005. In Model 2, social support emerged as a significant independent predictor, β = 0.24, p = 0.003. Conclusion The results of this study show that social support is a significant predictor of AdaptF even after controlling for the large effects of anxiety and depression. Research has shown that social support is associated with better AdaptF. This study elaborates on the importance of social support’s role in adaptive functioning beyond the effects of anxiety and depression. Future directions could explore the relationship between social support and the different dimensions of the ECOG.