Association between perceived social support and strain, and positive and negative outcome for adults with mild intellectual disability

Social strain has been identified as a trigger for both depression and phys ical health problems, bur has not been well researched in people with intel lectual disability (ID). The present study contrasted the effects of social support with social strain on depressive symptoms, somatic complaints and quality of life over time in adults with mild ID. The level of social suppo rt explained a significant proportion of variance in quality of life 6 mont hs later, but not depressive symptoms or somatic complaints. In contrast, t he level of social strain accounted for a significant proportion of varianc e in depressive symptoms and somatic complaints 6 months later, but not qua lity of life. The results suggest that interpersonal relationships can be b oth positively and negatively associated with physical and mental health fo r people with ID.