Association between Parkinson’s disease and psychosocial factors. Results of the nationally representative German Ageing Survey

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the link between Parkinson’s disease (i.e., comparing individuals with Parkinson’s disease and individuals without Parkinson’s disease) and psychosocial outcomes (in terms of life satisfaction, optimism, loneliness, perceived social isolation and perceived autonomy). Methods: Cross-sectional data (wave 5) were used from the nationally representative German Ageing Survey (with n = 7832). Life satisfaction was quantified using the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Optimism was measured using the Brandstädter and Wentura tool. Perceived autonomy was quantified using the Schwarzer tool. Loneliness was quantified using the De Jong Gierveld tool. Perceived social isolation was quantified using the Bude and Lantermann tool. Physician-diagnosed Parkinson’s disease served as the key independent variable. Results: Multiple linear regressions showed that individuals with Parkinson’s disease reported significantly lower perceived autonomy (β = −0.30, p < 0.01) compared to individuals without Parkinson’s disease. In contrast, they did not report worse psychosocial outcomes (in terms of life satisfaction, optimism, loneliness and perceived social isolation). Conclusion: Study findings showed a quite strong association between Parkinson’s disease and perceived autonomy. Future research could elucidate the underlying mechanisms.