Psychological vulnerability of widowhood: financial strain, social engagement and worry about having no care-giver as mediators and moderators

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 2356-2375 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOOHONG MIN ◽  
YAWEN LI ◽  
LING XU ◽  
IRIS CHI
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Care Giver ◽  
Moderating Effects

ABSTRACTThis study examined how financial strain, worry about having no care-giver and social engagement modify the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms among older adults in China. Using national representative data from older adults in China in 2006, we ran structural equation models and ordinary least square regressions to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of financial strain, worry about having no care-giver and social engagement on the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms. All three variables significantly mediated the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms. Compared to their married counterparts, widowed older adults showed more worry about having no care-giver, increased financial strain and lower social engagement, which were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Higher level of worry about having no care-giver and lower social engagement significantly exacerbated the adverse effects of widowhood on depressive symptoms in the moderation analyses. Our finding of mediating effects suggests that widowhood is negatively related to psychological wellbeing via financial strain, social engagement and care resources. The results regarding moderating effects suggest that alleviating worry about having no care-giver and increasing social engagement may buffer the deleterious effect of widowhood on psychological wellbeing in later life.

scholarly journals OLDER ADULTS’ HEALTH AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SUBJECTIVE LIFE EXPECTANCY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S694-S694
Author(s):  
Dahee Kim ◽  
Kyuho Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling

Abstract Older adults’ mental and physical health is likely to limit social engagement, but their perception of how much time they have left, according to the socio-emotional selectivity theory, might influence it as well. The aim of the research is to investigate the mediating effect of subjective life expectancy (SLE) on the pathways from older adults’ mental health and functional limitation to volunteering and contacts with close relationships. The current research used data of 5,285 older adults aged 50 to 75 from the Health and Retirement Study collected in 2014. Structural equation modeling was performed to investigate the direct effect of older adults’ depressive symptoms and functional limitation on volunteering and contact with close relationships. Predictors’ indirect effects via SLE was also assessed. The results indicated that older adults’ higher depressive symptoms and functional limitations significantly decreased volunteering time and frequency of contacts with close relationships. Older adults’ SLE attenuated the effects of depressive symptoms and functional limitations on their volunteering time and frequency of contact with close relationships. The findings describe the mechanism of how older adults engage in volunteering and contact with close relationships through their perception of remaining time. Further, this research highlights SLE as a motivator for encouragement of older adults’ social engagement.

scholarly journals The mediating roles of functional limitations and social support on the relationship between vision impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuquan Gong ◽  
Zhao Ni ◽  
Bei Wu
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Structural Relationships ◽  
Mediating Mechanisms ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractVision impairment is prevalent and it is strongly associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of functional limitations and social support on the relationship between vision impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults. This study used data from a probability-based sample of 1,093 adults aged 60 and older in Shanghai, China. Structural equation models were used to examine the structural relationships among sets of variables simultaneously, including vision impairment, activities of daily living ADLs, instrumental ADLs (IADLs), friends support, family support, relatives support and depressive symptoms. The bootstrapping method and the program PRODCLIN were used to test the indirect effects of these variables. This study found that vision impairment was directly associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms, and the association was partially mediated by functional limitations (IADLs) and social support (friends support). The study demonstrates that improving social support from friends and enhancing social participation for visually impaired older adults can reduce depressive symptoms. More importantly, this study contributes to the knowledge of mediating mechanisms between vision impairment and depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Baseline Body Mass Predicts Average Depressive Symptoms over the Next Two Decades for White but Not Black Older Adults

Geriatrics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shervin Assari
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
Bidirectional Association ◽  
National Cohort ◽  
Baseline Bmi

Background: Although obesity and depression have a bidirectional association, this link may vary based on race. The current study tested racial variation in bidirectional links between depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI) over 24 years of follow-up in older adults over the age of 50 in the United States. We hypothesized weaker bidirectional links in Blacks compared to Whites. Methods: Data came from waves 1 to 12 (1990 to 2014) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), an ongoing state-of-the-art national cohort. The study followed a representative sample of Americans (n = 15,194; 2,200 Blacks and 12,994 Whites) over the age of 50. Dependent variables were average depressive symptoms and BMI over 24 years, based on measurements every other year, from 1990 to 2014. Independent variables included baseline depressive symptoms and BMI. Covariates included age, gender, marital status, veteran status, and activities of daily living. Structural equation models were fitted to the data for data analysis. Results: In the pooled sample, bidirectional associations were found between BMI and depressive symptoms as baseline BMI predicted average depressive symptoms over time and baseline depressive symptoms predicted average BMI over 24 years. Racial differences were found in the bidirectional association between BMI and depressive symptoms, with both directions of the associations being absent for Blacks. For Whites, baseline BMI predicted average depressive symptoms over the next 24 years. Conclusion: Reciprocal associations between BMI and depressive symptoms over a 24-year period among individuals over the age of 50 vary for Blacks and Whites. As these associations are stronger for Whites than Blacks, clinical and public health programs that simultaneously target comorbid obesity and depression may be more appropriate for Whites than Blacks.

scholarly journals Sleep and Loneliness as Mechanisms Through Which Marital Quality Predicts Depression Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 34-35
Author(s):  
Christina Marini ◽  
Lynn Martire ◽  
Orfeu Buxton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Marital Quality ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being

Abstract Pathways through which spousal support and strain influence older adults’ well-being are poorly understood. We examined sleep quality and loneliness as mechanisms through which support and strain predict depressive symptoms across ten years utilizing National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project data. Our sample included partnered participants at waves 1 and 2 (N = 1,293; 39% female, M age = 66, SD = 6.93). Support (e.g., rely on spouse) and strain (e.g., spouse criticizes you) were measured at W1, loneliness (UCLA) and sleep quality (restless sleep) were measured at W2, and depression (CES-D) was measured at W3. We estimated latent-variable structural equation models, controlling for age, gender, and W1 depression. Indirect effects of support and strain on depressive symptoms through loneliness were significant. There was an additional trend-level indirect effect of spousal strain on depressive symptoms through restless sleep. Findings highlight multiple pathways through which marital quality predicts later-life well-being.

scholarly journals A comparison of the influencing factors of chronic pain and quality of life between older Koreans and Korean–Americans with chronic pain: a correlational study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun Ju Chang ◽  
Hee Jun Kim ◽  
Hee-Soon Juon ◽  
Hyunjeong Park ◽  
Seung Woo Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Korean Americans

Abstract Background Chronic pain is one of the most common health problems for older adults worldwide and is likely to result in lower quality of life. Living in a different culture may also influence chronic pain and quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore how multifaceted elements affect chronic pain and quality of life in older Koreans living in Korea and in older Korean–Americans (KAs) living in the USA. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis of data from 270 adults aged 65 years or over (138 Koreans and 132 KAs). We compared the effects of multifaceted elements on pain and quality of life by testing structural equation models (SEMs) for each group, using a maximum likelihood estimation and bootstrapping. Results SEMs for both Korean and KAs showed that age and depressive symptoms directly affected quality of life. The number of comorbidities and depressive symptoms had mediating effects on quality of life through chronic pain in both groups. In older Koreans only, perceived financial status directly affected quality of life. In older KAs only, sleep quality indirectly affected quality of life through chronic pain. Conclusion The data showed that multimorbidity and depressive symptoms play critical roles for explaining chronic pain in older Koreans and KAs and ultimately negatively influence quality of life. Future intervention program to improve quality of life in older adults with chronic pain should consider the different cultural aspects affecting quality of life for Koreans and KAs.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Sikap, Norma Subyektif dan Kontrol Perilaku yang Dirasakan Terhadap Niat Beli Pupuk Petroganik di Kabupaten Boyolali

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Novitasari Dika Kusuma Dewi ◽  
Eny Lestari ◽  
Heru [email protected] Irianto
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Environmental Awareness ◽  
Subjective Norms ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Product Attributes ◽  
Survey Techniques ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
The Cost

<em>This   research   aims   to   find   out   the   effects   of   product   attributes, environmental awareness, the cost of fertilizer usage, subjective norms to the attitude of Petroganik fertilizer purchases also to find out the effects of attitude, subjective norms and cost of fertilizer usage to the intentions of purchasing Petroganik fertilizer. The method used in this research is explanatory methods by using survey techniques. Method taken to determine research location was conducted purposively and this research is done in Nogosari District and Musuk District. The method used for gathering samples with multi stage random sampling. Samples in this research were collected  from  64  respondents  split  from  4  villages  and  8  group  farmers.  The technique of collecting data was solved through observation, interviews, and logging. The analysis of the sample data used for this research is Structural Equation Models (SEM) method and also Partial Least Square (PLS) as an altiernative method. The research finds that (1) product attributes and  environmental awareness positively determinants of  purchase attitudes. (2) subjective norms, purchase attitudes, and cost of fertilizer usage affects the purchase intentions for Petroganik fertilizer.</em>

scholarly journals Longitudinal Relationships Between Subjective Cognitive Decline and Objective Memory: Depressive Symptoms Mediate Between-Person Associations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Nikki L. Hill ◽  
Sakshi Bhargava ◽  
Emily Bratlee-Whitaker ◽  
Jennifer R. Turner ◽  
Monique J. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Over Time

Background: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may be an early indicator of cognitive impairment, but depressive symptoms can confound this relationship. Associations may be influenced by differences between individuals (i.e., between-persons) or how each individual changes in their experiences over time (i.e., within-persons). Objective: We examined depressive symptoms as a mediator of the between- and within-person associations of SCD and objective memory in older adults. Methods: Coordinated analyses were conducted across four datasets drawn from large longitudinal studies. Samples (range: n = 1,889 to n = 15,841) included participants 65 years of age or older with no dementia at baseline. We used multilevel structural equation modeling to examine the mediation of SCD and objective memory through depressive symptoms, as well as direct relationships among SCD, objective memory, and depressive symptoms. Results: Older adults who were more likely to report SCD had lower objective memory on average (between-person associations), and depressive symptoms partially mediated this relationship in three of four datasets. However, changes in depressive symptoms did not mediate the relationship between reports of SCD and declines in objective memory in three of four datasets (within-person associations). Conclusion: Individual differences in depressive symptoms, and not changes in an individual’s depressive symptoms over time, partially explain the link between SCD and objective memory. Older adults with SCD and depressive symptoms may be at greater risk for poor cognitive outcomes. Future research should explore how perceived changes in memory affect other aspects of psychological well-being, and how these relationships influence cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease risk.

Neighborhood Effects on the Health of Chinese Older Adults: Beyond the Rural and Urban Dichotomy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuekang Li ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
Nancy Morrow-Howell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Neighborhood Effects ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Physical Frailty ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Neighborhood Level

Abstract Background and Objectives The associations between physical frailty and depressive symptoms among older individuals were established in the existing literature. Taking the person–environment perspective, we argue that neighborhood environment could either buffer the stress derived from being physically vulnerable or worsen it by adding another layer of stressors in the environmental context when physical health declined. The objectives of this study were to explore to what extent the neighborhood-level characteristics moderate the relationship between physical frailty and depressive symptoms. Research Design and Methods Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011 wave, 6,245 individuals aged 60 years and older were included for analyses. Multilevel mixed-effects models were fitted to examine the moderating effects of urbanicity and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (SES) on the relationship between frailty and depressive symptoms among older adults, controlling for individual-level characteristics. Results Results showed a stronger relationship between deterioration in physical health and depressive symptoms in rural neighborhoods and neighborhoods with lower SES, after controlling for individual-level SES. Also, the moderating effects of the neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors remained after controlling for urbanicity, indicating that neighborhood SES works beyond the rural–urban contexts. Discussion and Implications Findings from this study demonstrate the important roles of neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics in reshaping, and the need to redefine, China’s rural–urban dichotomy. The findings also identified neighborhoods with low SES as potential targets for policy and practice to reduce the stress associated with health decline.

scholarly journals SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS: A 6-YEAR CROSS-LAGGED PANEL ANALYSIS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S754-S755
Author(s):  
James Muruthi ◽  
J Tina Savla
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Panel Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Group Activities ◽  
Religious Services ◽  
Older African Americans

Abstract Although previous studies have extensively investigated the cross-sectional relationship between social engagement and depressive symptoms in late life, longitudinal studies have produced mixed results. Furthermore, studies on the associations between these two concepts among aging African Americans are few. Using a sample of 1688 older African Americans adults from waves 1 and 7 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (60% women; Average age = 77 years), the present study investigates the longitudinal associations between social engagement (an index from scores on visiting friends and family, attending religious services, attending religious services, participating in group activities, and going out for enjoyment) and depressive symptoms across seven years. Structural equation modeling was used to test cross-lagged relationships between the variables. Findings suggest that social engagement at baseline significantly predicted subsequent depressive symptoms and social engagement. Depressive symptoms at baseline, however, were not significantly associated with subsequent social engagement. These findings suggest that low social engagement in older African Americans is directly associated with increased depressive symptoms over time, but not vice versa. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the barriers of social engagement for older African Americans and its effects on their mental health.

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