Effects of perceived social isolation, fear of social isolation and gratitude during COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety in Malaysia (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cher Yi Tan ◽  
Jia Yi Ng ◽  
Mei-Hua Lin ◽  
Min Hooi Yong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic compelled many countries including Malaysia to impose movement restrictions to curb spreading the virus. Evidence shows that prolonged isolation has negative effects on both physical and mental health. OBJECTIVE Our aims were to examine (1) the mediating effect of perceived social isolation (SI) and fear of social isolation (FSI) on the relationship between gratitude and anxiety, and (2) to explore the moderating effect of age, education and socioeconomic status on the mediation model. METHODS We collected data from 427 participants currently living in Malaysia during the movement restriction order (Mage = 37.90, SD = 16.51, 313 females) from an online survey containing questions pertaining to isolation and gratitude. RESULTS Our mediation analysis showed that gratitude has a positive effect on overcoming anxiety as it also lowers feelings of SI and FSI (B = -.229, β = .128, bootstrap SE = .049, 95% bootstrap CI = [-.332, -.138]). The moderated mediation analyses revealed the indirect effect of gratitude on anxiety through SI was significant for young adults (B = -.148, β = .083, 95% bootstrap CI [-.274, -.042]) and middle-aged (B = -.099, β = -.055, 95% bootstrap CI [-.177, -.033]) but not for older adults (B = -.026, β = -.015, 95% bootstrap CI [-.129, .047]). Results were similar for FSI in that it was significant for middle aged and not significant for older adults (all CIs does not include zero). However the mediation effect was not significant for young adults (B = -.020, β = -.011, 95% bootstrap CI [-.066, .016]). When we examined the moderating effect of education and SES in the parallel mediation model, results showed that the mediation effect of SI and FSI for those with lower levels of education was significant for all SES levels (all CIs did not contain zero). As for those with medium levels of education, the conditional indirect effect of SI and FSI was significant only for low and medium levels of SES but not for high SES. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of having some coping mechanism and social connection during the pandemic to have higher wellbeing and quality of life, especially for middle-aged sample and people from low education and SES background. CLINICALTRIAL None

scholarly journals HOW ARE SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS RELATED TO COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AMONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS?

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S850-S851
Author(s):  
Rumei Yang ◽  
Haocen Wang ◽  
Eunjin L Tracy ◽  
Linda S Edelman ◽  
Katherine Sward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Older adults have increased risk of social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive functioning decline, but the relationships among these factors are not conclusive. We used the 2011 and 2012 waves of the harmonized China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study to: 1) measure the association between social isolation and cognitive functioning among Chinese older adults within their cultural context, and 2) investigate the potential mediation mechanism of loneliness on this association. Specifically, we applied a multiple indicator multiple cause approach to determine whether the construct of social isolation is well defined by four indicators (social activity engagement, weekly adult children contact, caregiving for grandchildren, and living alone). We used structural equation modeling to examine the direct and indirect effects among variables of interest. The results demonstrated that three indicators of social isolation were significantly associated with cognitive functioning (β =-0.26 to -0.28, all ps<0.05). The indirect effect of social isolation on cognitive functioning through loneliness was significant (β = -0.15, p<0.05), indicating loneliness was an important mediator. After controlling for the indirect effect of loneliness, the direct effect of social isolation on cognitive functioning remained significant (β =-0.83, p<0.05), suggesting a partial mediation effect. Our study confirms that social isolation contributes to cognitive functioning decline among Chinese older adults and that loneliness plays a mediating role. The findings suggest maintaining social relations and coping with feelings of loneliness are beneficial to older adults’ cognitive functioning.

Stress and depression among Chinese new urban older adults: A moderated mediation model

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yang Sun ◽  
Huijuan Wang ◽  
Libin Zhang ◽  
Zhaoliang Li ◽  
Shaobo Lv ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Moderated Mediation Model ◽  
The Relationship

We explored the relationship between stress and depression among 296 new urban older adults in China aged 60 years and older, along with the moderating effect of relocation duration and the mediating effect of anxiety. Participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales–simplified Chinese version. Results show that stress was a risk factor for depression, relocation duration moderated the relationship between stress and depression, and this moderating effect was mediated by anxiety. The importance of focusing on and preventing mental health problems among new urban older adults in China is discussed, with a focus on stress-induced anxiety and depression, and the feasibility of intervention at different stages postrelocation.

scholarly journals Opioid Literacy in an Immigrant Group in Rural Area: Use of Social Determinant of Health Framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 397-397
Author(s):  
Hee Yun Lee ◽  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Jieun Song ◽  
Jamie Gajos ◽  
Yan Luo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Limited English Proficiency ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Middle Aged

Abstract Opioid overdose risk is particularly high in immigrant communities partly due to limited English proficiency (Guarino et al., 2015). Previous studies reported that social determinants of health (SDH) have been associated with risk for opioid overdose (Dasgupta et al., 2018). The current study examines the association between SDH and literacy of opioid overdose risk among the immigrant population living in a rural area. Specifically, we examine the association in various age groups including young adults (aged 20 to 34), middle-aged (aged 35 to 49), and older adults (ages 50 to 75). Data were drawn from a sample of Korean American immigrants residing in rural Alabama (N=225). The participants administered the Brief Opioid Knowledge (BOOK) Questionnaire (Dunn et al., 2016). Multiple regression analyses were conducted for three age groups to identify predictors of opioid literacy. Overall, older adults had lower levels of opioid literacy relative to their younger counterparts. Among young adults, low English proficiency, more chronic conditions, and greater depressive symptoms were significant predictors of limited opioid literacy. For the middle-aged adults, lower levels of health literacy and more pain symptoms were associated with limited opioid literacy. Among older adults, women, those with higher English proficiency, and lower health literacy had lower levels of opioid literacy. The findings demonstrated a greater vulnerability of older immigrants to limited opioid literacy. Different predictors based on SDH of limited opioid literacy across age groups have implications for tailored health promotion strategies to reduce opioid overdose risk.

Effect of older adults in the family on the sandwich generation's pursuit of entrepreneurship: evidence from China

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Yiwei Liu ◽  
Wenjing Wang ◽  
Zhen Cong ◽  
Zhirui Chen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Basic Unit ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Social Wellbeing ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Elderly Family

Abstract Household entrepreneurship is a basic unit of entrepreneurial activity, and a crucial aspect of connecting personal and social wellbeing. This study examines the relationship between the proportion of elderly family members and household entrepreneurship. This study also assesses the mediating effect of the middle-aged generation's support to their parents and the moderating effect of the parents’ support with respect to the proportion of elderly family members and entrepreneurship. We use data from the China Family Panel Studies. We adopt the instrumental variable method to deal with endogeneity, robustness and credibility of the estimation results. The results show that a higher proportion of elderly family members impedes household entrepreneurship. Moreover, the financial and instrumental support provided by the middle-aged generation to their parents significantly mediates the relationship between the proportion of elderly family members and household entrepreneurship. In turn, parents’ financial support to the middle-aged generation moderates the focal relationship; however, parents’ instrumental support does not moderate the focal relationship. These findings emphasise the need to develop a comprehensive social security network for older adults that will indirectly promote household entrepreneurship, and improve personal and social wellbeing.

Mediation effect of coping strategies on general psychological health among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Nurul Fatin Malek Rivan ◽  
Suzana Shahar ◽  
Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh ◽  
Norhayati Ibrahim ◽  
Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Middle Aged

scholarly journals Reducing Isolation and Loneliness Through Membership in a Fitness Program for Older Adults: Implications for Health

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Brady ◽  
Lisa A. D’Ambrosio ◽  
Adam Felts ◽  
Elizabeth Y. Rula ◽  
Kenneth P. Kell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Fitness Program ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Independent Effects ◽  
Survey Responses

Objectives: To explore the effects of membership in a fitness program for older adults on social isolation, loneliness, and health. Method: Using survey responses from SilverSneakers members and matched nonmembers, regression path analysis was used to examine the influence of SilverSneakers membership on physical activity, social isolation, loneliness, and health, and the interrelationships among these concepts. Results: SilverSneakers membership directly increased physical activity and self-rated health, directly decreased social isolation, and indirectly decreased loneliness. Decreased social isolation and loneliness were associated with better self-rated health: social isolation and loneliness had independent direct effects on health, while social isolation also had an indirect effect on health mediated through loneliness. Discussion: Members of SilverSneakers experienced better health through increased physical activity, reduced social isolation, and reduced loneliness. Future research should explore independent effects of social isolation and loneliness on health and the mechanisms by which membership reduces social isolation and loneliness.

scholarly journals The effects of growth orientation and job crafting on creative behavior

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-417
Author(s):  
Eunyoung Seo ◽  
Jinkook Tak
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Moderated Mediation ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Job Crafting ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Growth Orientation ◽  
Creative Behavior ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among growth orientation, job crafting and creative behavior. Specifically, this study examined the mediating effect of job crafting on the relationship between growth orientation and creative behavior. Also, this study was intended to examine the moderating effect of development culture on the relationship between growth orientation and job crafting. In addition, the moderated mediation effect of developmental culture was examined in relation to growth orientation and creative behavior. Data were collected among 294 employees who were working in various companies via online survey. The results showed that growth orientation was positively related to job crafting and creative behavior, and job crafting partially mediated the relationship between growth orientation and creative behavior. Also when development culture of the organization was strong, the relation of growth orientation to job crafting was stronger, confirming the moderating effect of development culture. In addition, the moderated mediation effect of developmental culture was found. Based on the results of this study, implications, l implications, limitations, and future research were discussed.

Abstract P098: An Epigenome-wide Study of Obesity in African American Youth and Young Adults: Novel Findings, Replication in Neutrophils and Relationship With Gene Expression

Circulation ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 135 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoling Wang ◽  
Yue Pan ◽  
Haidong Zhu ◽  
Guang Hao ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Methylation Data ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cpg Sites ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Obesity Status ◽  
Youth And Young Adults

Background: Several large-scale epigenome wide association studies on obesity-related DNA methylation changes have been published and in total identified 46 CpG sites. These studies were conducted in middle-aged and older adults of Caucasians and African Americans (AAs) using leukocytes. To what extend these signals are independent of cell compositions as well as to what extend they may influence gene expression have not been systematically investigated. Furthermore, the high prevalence of obesity comorbidities in middle-aged or older population may hide or bias obesity itself related DNA methylation changes. Methods: In this study of healthy AA youth and young adults, genome wide DNA methylation data from leukocytes were obtained from three independent studies: EpiGO study (96 obese cases vs. 92 lean controls, aged 14-21, 50% females, test of interest is obesity status), LACHY study (284 participants from general population, aged 14-18, 50% females, test of interest is BMI), and Georgia Stress and Heart study (298 participants from general population, aged 18-38, 52% females, test of interest is BMI) using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Genome wide DNA methylation data from purified neutrophils as well as genome wide gene expression data from leukocytes using Illumina HT12 V4 array were also obtained for the EpiGO samples. Results: The meta-analysis on the 3 cohorts identified 76 obesity related CpG sites in leukocytes with p<1х10 -7 . Out of the 46 previously identified CpG sites, 36 can be replicated in this AA youth and young adult sample with same direction and p<0.05. Out of the 107 CpG sites including the 36 replicated ones and the 71 newly identified ones, 71 CpG sites (66%) had their relationship with obesity replicated in purified neutrophils (p<0.05). The analysis on the cis regulation of the 107 CpG sites on gene expression showed that 59 CpG sites had at least one gene within 250kb having expression difference between obese cases and lean controls. Furthermore, out of the 59 CpG sites, 6 showed significantly negative correlations and 1 showed significantly positive correlation with the differentially expressed genes. These CpG sites located in SOCS3, CISH, ABCG1, PIM3 and PTGDS genes. Conclusion: In this study of AA youth and young adults, we identified novel CpG sites associated with obesity and replicated majority of the CpG sites previously identified in middle-aged and older adults. For the first time, we showed that majority of the obesity related CpG sites identified from leukocytes are not driven by cell compositions and provided the direct link between DNA methylation-gene expression-obesity status for 7 CpG sites in 5 genes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document