Social Networks and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Older Immigrants: Does Quantity, Quality, and Composition of Social Networks Matter?
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between quantity, quality, and composition of social networks and depressive symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults.Methods: Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE) (N = 3,157), a study of Chinese older adults aged 60 and above in Chicago. We assessed quantitative (network size and volume of contact), qualitative (emotional closeness), and composition (proportion kin, proportion female and proportion coresident) aspects of social networks. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Negative binomial and logistic regressions were conducted.Results: Older adults who had three to five network members with strong ties, a medium level of contact, and a high level of emotional closeness were less likely to experience depression than their counterparts. Quantitative and qualitative dimensions of social networks have stronger protective effects than the composition dimension.Conclusions: U.S. Chinese older immigrants with different levels of social network characteristics have different risks of depression, suggesting targeted subpopulation assessments to facilitate the delivery of more appropriate and effective treatment to those most in need.Clinical Implications: Health-care professionals and social service agencies are suggested to develop intervention programs to promote mental health through increasing strong ties and improving the quality of social networks for U.S. Chinese older immigrants.
Source: Clinical Gerontologist
Authors: Mengting Li, XinQi Dong, Dexia Kong
Institution: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: 2/2 - Suicide Prevention in Chinese Older Adults, Culture and Caregiving Need for Chinese Elderly with Cognitive Impairment, Asian Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR), Filial Piety and Psychosocial Well-being in Chinese Population, Epidemiology of Psychological Distress in Chinese Aging Population, XinQi Dong Grant Transfer #5 from Rush to Rutgers PHS Grant #R34 MH100443: Suicide Prevention in Chinese Older Adults
OpenAlex ID: W2963075789