*3.2. Testing Potential Predictors of NR Scores Evolution*

Neither gender nor age showed a significant effect on change. Gender was related to baseline NR scores, but not to change. After evaluating these demographic predictors, potential predictors of physical exercise, home support, and professional mental health monitoring were explored.

The first variable tested was daily exercise in the baseline of the study. The data showed that the practice of exercise was significantly associated with the NR score (*p* = 0.0005) but did not significantly affect its evolution (*p* = 0.47). The data indicate that the participants who did not exercise daily had higher rates of mental distress in the first stage of the research and kept this elevated level over time.

Two potential predictors addressed support received at home at baseline. Having people at home available to listen and talk was related to the general NR scores (*p* = 0.0006), but not to their longitudinal change (*p* = 0.26). On the other hand, the perceived support for domestic activities was not directly related to the baseline scores distresses (*p* = 0.40) but was related to the evolution across time (*p* = 0.001) (Figure 1).

**Figure 1.** Differential effect of perceived support with household chores on change in CORE-OM NR score.

Finally, indicators related to mental health and their association with NR scores were tested. The results of the MLM indicate that being in counseling is associated neither with mental distress in the first data collection (*p* = 0.53) nor with longitudinal change (*p* = 0.28). Very similar results were identified for psychiatric support for the NR score (*p* = 0.73) and its evolution (*p* = 0.16). The next step in the evaluation was to identify the trajectories of specific subjects and analyze some of their qualitative issues.
