Longitudinal Effect of Family Strengths on Depression and Life Satisfaction in Couples With Disability

ABSTRACT Objective This study examined longitudinal actor and partner effects of family strength on disability acceptance, life satisfaction, and depression among spouses with and without disabilities. Background Disability often extends beyond individuals to include caregivers, who may experience increased psychosocial demands. Family strength and disability acceptance are key factors in mental health for both parties. However, their longitudinal dyadic processes remain understudied. Method Three‐year panel data (2018–2020) from 1056 married couples were analyzed using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model via SEM. Results For both spouses, family strength longitudinally predicted increased disability acceptance. The family strength of the spouse with disabilities positively predicted the disability acceptance of the spouse without disabilities. Disability acceptance longitudinally predicted higher life satisfaction and lower levels of depression for both spouses. Additionally, the disability acceptance of the spouse without disabilities positively predicted the life satisfaction of the spouse with disabilities and negatively predicted their depression. Conclusion Family strength promotes mental health through disability acceptance. In particular, the disability acceptance of spouses without disabilities plays a critical role in promoting both their own and their partner's mental health. Implications Interventions should target both spouses, emphasizing communication, psychosocial support, and family‐centered approaches, while policies should expand supports to reduce caregiving burden.