Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren, Family Structure, and Depressive Symptoms in China

Abstract It is a cultural norm for Chinese older adults to engage in co-parenting and caring for grandchildren. Previous research documented health advantages for grandparents who provide occasional, extensive, or even custodial care to grandchildren in China. Yet there is little information regarding the impacts of living arrangement and its interaction with grandchild care on grandparents’ psychological well-being. Using three waves of the 2011-2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data, this study examined the longitudinal association of depressive symptoms with grandchild care intensity and living arrangement among adults aged 40 and above (N=5,037). Mixed effects regression models were applied to examine changes in depressive symptoms and the associations with explanatory variables. At baseline, about half of respondents reported caring for their grandchild (ren). And nine percent lived with grandchildren only, that is, in a skipped-generation household and taking a custodial grandparent role. Overall, depressive symptoms did not change over time. After controlling for sociodemographic and health covariates, we found that providing medium level of care (i.e., between three to 10 hours per day) was associated with fewer baseline depressive symptoms, whereas grandparents living with grandchildren had more symptoms at baseline relative to those living with others. Further, an increased level of caregiving in the skipped-generation households was associated with more depressive symptoms. Given that custodial grandparenting is a growing phenomenon in China, further research needs to investigate how to reduce caregiving burden and associated adversary effects and how to promote overall well-being in this population.

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Intergenerational Coresidence and Depressive Symptoms of Rural and Urban Older Adults in China

Journal of Family Issues ◽

10.1177/0192513x19888256 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 41 (8) ◽

pp. 1282-1306

Author(s):

Jinyu Liu ◽

Lydia Li ◽

Zhenmei Zhang ◽

Hongwei Xu

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Marital Status ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

Intergenerational Coresidence

Objectives: This study aimed to examine whether gender and marital status of coresiding adult children are associated with depressive symptoms of Chinese older adults. Methods: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, linear regression analysis was conducted to identify longitudinal associations of intergenerational coresidence with depressive symptoms in rural and urban older Chinese. Results: Both rural and urban older adults living with unmarried sons had significantly higher depressive symptoms at four-year follow-up than those who did not live with children. Living with married sons was significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms at four-year follow-up among rural elders only. Discussion: This study sheds light on the heterogeneity in the relationship between intergenerational coresidence and Chinese older adults’ psychological well-being by the gender and marital status of coresiding children. Further research is needed to understand the complex and dynamic household structures and health outcomes in later life.

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EMOTIONS AND WELL-BEING IN LATER LIFE CHILDHOOD HAPPINESS, SELF-MASTERY, AND LATER-LIFE HEALTH

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2135 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S576-S576

Author(s):

Haena Lee ◽

Markus H Schafer

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Family Environment ◽

Social Life ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Living Arrangement ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Adult Health ◽

Growing Up ◽

Self Rated Health

Abstract Considerable work has documented that positive childhood memories, especially childhood happiness, predict better health among young adults. However, it is not known whether growing up happy has enduring health consequences across the life course. Using two waves of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (2010-2011 and 2015-2016; N = 1,937), we investigate the relationship between childhood happiness and changes in physical, mental, and biological functioning in later life. Childhood happiness was retrospectively assessed using a question: “When I was growing up, my family life was always happy.” Self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and frailty over a five-year period were examined to reflect changes in functional status. Childhood SES and living arrangement were examined to assess childhood sociodemographic background. Educational attainment, family support and strain, and self-mastery were considered as potential mediators. We find that, among other childhood factors, childhood happiness significantly predicts older adult health. Specifically, childhood happiness was associated with better self-rated health and lower depressive symptoms at follow-up, net of baseline health conditions. We did not find a relationship between frailty and childhood happiness. Unlike prior work, we found no significant effect of childhood SES on the measured outcomes. Associations between childhood happiness and self-rated health and depression were mediated by psychosocial resources including self-mastery and perceived social support from family members. This implies that growing up in nurturing, cherished family environment has the potential to cultivate social relationships and build resilience which could provide an important pathway to successful aging.

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Stressors and Subjective Well-Being among Chinese Older Adults: Uncovering the Buffering Roles of Tangible Support Patterns

Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology ◽

10.1177/0022022120977042 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 78-98

Author(s):

Xupeng Mao ◽

Liwei Zhang ◽

Yuerong Liu

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Latent Class ◽

Functional Dependence ◽

Adult Population ◽

Well Being ◽

Poor Health ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Tangible Support

Using data from two waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study ( N ≈ 5,500), this study used latent class analysis to identify tangible support patterns among Chinese older adults based on types and sources of support. Furthermore, multivariate regression was used to examine the stress-buffering roles of tangible support patterns in the relationships between two stressors (i.e., poor health and functional dependence) and older adults’ subjective well-being (i.e., depressive symptoms and life satisfaction). We found four distinct tangible support patterns (i.e., semitraditional, traditional, formal financial-spousal instrumental, and restricted) among Chinese older adults. Poor health and functional dependence were significantly associated with lower subjective well-being. The moderating role of support differed significantly by patterns. Two patterns, formal financial-spousal instrumental and restricted, mitigated or reversed the negative relationships between both stressors and older adults’ subjective well-being. In addition, the traditional Chinese support pattern reduced the positive relationship between poor health and depressive symptoms. Implications for the well-being of the Chinese older adult population are discussed.

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The Association Between Personality Traits and Depressive Symptoms in U.S. Chinese Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1264 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 392-393

Author(s):

Maggie Li ◽

XinQi Dong ◽

Dexia Kong

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Personality Traits ◽

Well Being ◽

Aging Research ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Unit Increase ◽

Patient Health ◽

Minority Aging ◽

Neo Five Factor Inventory

Abstract Depressive symptoms are prevalent in the aging population and can negatively impact the health and well-being of older adults. Personality traits may interact with depressive symptoms, but there is currently limited knowledge regarding this relationship in minority aging research. This study aims to explore the associations between two personality traits, neuroticism and conscientiousness, and depressive symptoms in 3,157 U.S. Chinese older adults. Data were obtained from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) collected between 2011 and 2013. Neuroticism and conscientiousness were measured by the NEO Five-factor Inventory. Depressive symptoms were measured by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). 45.3% of the participants reported at least one depressive symptom. Controlling for potential confounders, logistic regression analyses showed that both traits were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. One unit increase in neuroticism was associated with 19% increased odds of having any depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR]=1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.17-1.22). One unit increase in conscientiousness was associated with 5% decreased odds of having any depressive symptoms (OR=0.95, 95% [CI]=0.94-0.96). Results validate the significant association between both traits and depressive symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults, adding to the psychological and cultural profiles of those who have experienced mental distress. More in-depth examination using culturally-tailored measurements for personality traits is encouraged in minority aging studies. The NEO inventory was developed from Western populations and hence might not adequately represent personality traits valued by non-Western cultures.

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The Effects of Grandchild Care on Mental Health Among Chinese Elderly: The Mediating Effects of Social Networks

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1122 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 349-349

Author(s):

Dan Tang ◽

Jie Qiu ◽

Kun Zhang

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Networks ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Reference Group ◽

Baseline Survey ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Grandchild Care ◽

The Social ◽

Older Chinese

Abstract Using the data of 2014 baseline survey of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), which provides a sample of older Chinese who had grandchild younger than 18 years old, this study examines the associations among grandchild care, social networks, and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. The older adults are divided into three groups basing on the frequency of their behaviors of taking care of grandchildren. The three groups are ‘no care, providing care occasionally, providing care frequently’. The mediating and moderating effects of social networks between grandchild care and depressive symptoms are tested. Results show that older adults who provide grandchild care report superior social networks and better mental health than those who don’t provide grandchild (reference group). After controlling the related variables, the older adults who provide grandchild occasionally benefit more than those who take care of grandchild frequently. Grandchild care is related to larger social networks, and the social networks are fully mediating the association between grandchild care and depressive symptoms.

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PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND CHANGE OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION OVER 4 YEARS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3002 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S814-S814

Author(s):

Dexia Kong ◽

XinQi Dong

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Well Being ◽

Rate Of Change ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Domains ◽

Individual Cognition ◽

The Relationship

Abstract This study aims to examine the relationship between psychological-wellbeing (including depressive symptoms, loneliness, anxiety, hopelessness, and stress) and cognitive function during a 4-year period among U.S. Chinese older adults. Data were from 2,300 PINE participants who completed in-home interviews at baseline, 2-year and 4-year follow-up. Cognitive function was assessed by five individual cognition tests at baseline and follow-up interviews. Mixed-effects regression models were conducted. A trend of decline in global cognition and multiple cognitive domains was observed. The study findings showed that depressive symptoms (Estimate= -0.03, p<0.001), anxiety (Estimate = -0.02, p<0.001), hopelessness (Estimate = -0.01, p<0.01), and stress (Estimate = -0.01, p<0.001) were associated with poorer global cognitive function at baseline. Baseline psychological well-being was not associated with changes in cognitive function during a 4-year period. Significant predictors of rate of change in cognitive function will be discussed. Potential explanations and implications of these findings will be presented.

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RETURNING THE FAVOR: EXPECTATIONS OF CAREGIVING RECIPROCITY AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG GRANDPARENTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3094 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S840-S840

Author(s):

Cindy N Bui

Keyword(s):

Social Capital ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Adult Children ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Family System ◽

Adult Child ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Provision ◽

Grandchild Care ◽

Future Care

Abstract This study draws upon social capital and intergenerational reciprocity concepts to better understand how grandparents’ depressive symptoms are related to their provision of grandchild care, within the context of their expectations regarding adult children reciprocating caregiving needs in the future. Analyses used the 2014 Health and Retirement Study dataset. The sample consisted of 9,612 grandparents, 2,595 of whom were providing grandchild care. Linear regression models were used to analyze how depressive symptoms were influenced by grandchild care provision and expectations of future care from adult children. Future care is measured as expectations from (1) any adult child, and (2) from the same adult child for whom the older parent provides grandchild care. Provision of grandchild care was not significantly related to grandparents’ number of depressive symptoms. Among grandparents who provided grandchild care, both expecting any adult child and expecting the same adult child were associated with reporting fewer depressive symptoms. Expecting any adult child to provide future care showed a stronger effect than expecting the same adult child to provide future care. The results suggest that expectations of general reciprocity within the family system, rather than specific dyadic reciprocity, may be more important for a caregiving grandparent’s emotional well-being. Providing grandchild care while expecting future care from adult children can indicate a sense of social capital within an intergenerational family system. Expecting support reciprocity from adult children may be a protective factor that allows caregiving grandparents to feel more secure about their future care needs, and consequently, less depressed.

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A Typology of Social Networks and Its Relationship to Psychological Well-Being in Korean Adults

The International Journal of Aging and Human Development ◽

10.1177/0091415018815230 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 90 (3) ◽

pp. 211-233

Author(s):

Nan Sook Park ◽

David A. Chiriboga ◽

Soondool Chung

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Latent Profile Analysis ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Profile Analysis ◽

Living Arrangement ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Korean Adults ◽

Frequency Of Contact

The purposes of this study were to (a) develop an empirical typology of the social networks in Korean adults aged 18 years or older and (b) examine the relation of network types on depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life. Data for this study were drawn from the survey with 1,017 community-dwelling adults aged 18 years or older in South Korea representing three life stages: young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults. Latent profile analysis was conducted based on eight social network-related variables: marital status, living arrangement, number of family confidants, number of friend confidants, frequency of contact with friends using phone or social media, frequency of participation in social groups, frequency of conversation with neighbors, and perceived closeness of family. The identified typologies were then regressed on depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life. A model with four network types was identified as being the most optimal, and the groups were labeled as: diverse-family, diverse-friend, solo-restricted, and coresident-restricted. Regression analyses showed that in comparison with the coresident-restricted group referent, diverse-friend and solo-restricted groups exhibited elevated levels of depressive symptoms; diverse-family and diverse-friend type had higher levels of satisfaction with life. Implications of the study findings were discussed in line with current research and intervention efforts.

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