scholarly journals Social Capital and Mental Health among Older Adults Living in Urban China in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7947 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Sun ◽  
Nan Lu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Urban China ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital ◽  
Structural Social Capital

Although social capital has been found to be an important social determinant of mental health in later life, research on social capital in the context of COVID-19 and the interplay among subdimensions of social capital is lacking. The present study examined the mediating role of cognitive social capital on the relationship between structural social capital and mental health among older adults in urban China in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from the Yangpu district in Shanghai, China, in July–August 2020. A quota sampling approach was used to recruit 472 respondents aged 60 years and older from 23 communities in the Yangpu district. Mental health was measured by depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Cognitive social capital was assessed through trust and reciprocity, and structural social capital was assessed through organization memberships, and COVID-19 related volunteering and citizenship activity. Structural equation modeling was used to test the mediation model. The results show that cognitive social capital had a full mediation effect on the association between structural social capital and mental health indicators (life satisfaction: b = 0.122, SD = 0.029, p < 0.001; depressive symptoms: b = −0.343, SD = 0.119, p < 0.01). The findings indicate that social capital can play an important role in sustaining and improving mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Internet Use and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Older Adults: The Mediation and Suppression Effects of Social Capital

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyi Li ◽  
Mengyao Yang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital ◽  
Structural Social Capital

Exploring the social factors of mental health among older adults has become a hot topic. This study aimed to examine the relationships between internet use, social capital and depressive symptoms in older adults. Our data were derived from a sample of 6,840 respondents aged 60 and over in the 2018 wave of the China Family Panel Studies. The ordinary least square (OLS) regression results showed that both Internet use characteristics (including access, emotional activities, and online time) and social capital components (including contact with adult children and trust) were protective factors for the prevention of depressive symptoms among older adults. The generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) results displayed that Internet use not only had a negatively direct effect on depressive symptoms, but also generated a negatively indirect effect on depressive symptoms by structural social capital (i.e., contact with adult children), suggesting that structural social capital mediated the above link. Conversely, the indirect effects of internet use on depressive symptoms via cognitive social capital (i.e., interpersonal trust and institutional trust) were significantly positive, indicating that the relationship between Internet use and depressive symptoms was suppressed by cognitive social capital. These findings address the gaps in previous research on older adults' mental health and have practical implications for policy makers.

scholarly journals What Matters Most for Community Social Capital among Older Adults Living in Urban China: The Role of Health and Family Social Capital

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingyue Zhang ◽  
Nan Lu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Urban China ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Latent Constructs ◽  
Family Social Capital ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital ◽  
Structural Social Capital

The present study investigated individual-level determinants of community social capital among older adults in urban China, with a particular emphasis on health and family social capital. A quota sampling method was used to select 456 adults aged 60 or older from 16 local communities in the city of Suzhou in 2015. Multiple indicators and multiple courses in structural equation modeling were used to examine the proposed model. Latent constructs of community social capital (i.e., cognitive social capital and structural social capital) were established. The results showed that family social capital and instrumental activities of daily living were the most influential determinants of cognitive social capital, whereas activities of daily living and socioeconomic status were the most important determinants of structural social capital. We demonstrate the application of social capital theory in an urban Chinese context. Future policy development and social work interventions should use a more comprehensive social capital latent constructs and health indicators as screening instruments. The promotion of family social capital could play an important role in enhancing cognitive social capital among older adults.

scholarly journals Social Capital and Self-Rated Health among Older Adults Living in Urban China: A Mediation Model

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (20) ◽  
pp. 5566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Lu ◽  
Jingyue Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Urban China ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital ◽  
Structural Social Capital

Social capital and healthy aging are both crucial for social sustainability in China. The present study tested the role of structural social capital in self-rated health among older urban Chinese adults and the influence of cognitive social capital on this relationship. A sample of 456 older adults aged 60 or older in Suzhou, China, were recruited and completed the survey in 2015. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model. Cognitive social capital had larger effects on self-rated health than structural social capital. The relationship between structural social capital and self-rated health was fully mediated by cognitive social capital, when sociodemographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, physical health conditions, and living arrangements were controlled. The culturally sensitive latent construct of community-based social capital proved to be a valid instrument in urban Chinese contexts. Structural social capital likely indirectly affects self-rated health through cognitive social capital. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.

Social capital, perceived neighborhood environment, and depressive symptoms among older adults in rural China: the role of self-rated health

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Nan Lu ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Yaolin Pei ◽  
Changmin Peng
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital ◽  
Structural Social Capital ◽  
Perceived Neighborhood Environment

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study examined the relationships between social capital, perceived neighborhood environment, and depressive symptoms among older adults living in rural China, and the moderating effect of self-rated health (SRH) in these relationships. Participants: A quota sampling method was applied to recruit 447 participants aged 60 years and older in rural communities in Jilin province, China in 2019. Measurements: Depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Structural equation modeling was used to build latent constructs of social capital and test the proposed model. Multiple group analysis was used to test the moderation effects. Results: Cognitive social capital and structural social capital were both associated with depressive symptoms controlling for participants’ demographics, socioeconomic status, and health status. After adding perceived environment variables in the model, the relationship between cognitive social capital and depressive symptoms became nonsignificant, while structural social capital remained became a significant factor (β = −.168, p < .01). Satisfaction with health care was significantly associated with depressive symptoms among those with poor SRH (β = −.272, p < .01), whereas satisfaction with security and transportation were strongly associated with depressive symptoms among those with good SRH (security: β = −.148, p < .01; transportation: β = −.174, p < .01). Conclusions: Study findings highlighted the importance of social capital and neighborhood environment as potential protective factors of depressive symptoms in later life. Policy and intervention implications were also discussed.

scholarly journals Impacts of Social Capital Factors on Blood Glucose Control and Depressive Symptoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 629-629
Author(s):  
Tingzhong (Michelle) Xue ◽  
Zahra Rahmaty ◽  
Eleanor McConnell ◽  
Yingzhi (Lindsay) Xu ◽  
Kirsten Corazzini
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Glucose Control ◽  
Blood Glucose Control ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital ◽  
Structural Social Capital

Abstract Social capital, conceptualized as resources arising from social networks, is receiving increased attention for its role in prevention and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and depression that commonly co-occur. Although social capital has been linked to control of blood glucose and depression, previous research has not considered these two outcomes simultaneously while distinguishing between cognitive (i.e., perceived social support, shared values and trust in community) and structural (i.e., social connectedness and participation) domains. This study examined how these two domains of social capital relate to glucose control and depressive symptoms, and whether physical exercise and care access mediate those relationships, using structural equation modeling. The sample included 3,043 older adults aged 57 and above from wave 2 of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project. Although a higher level of cognitive social capital was associated with higher levels of physical exercise (b=.38, p&lt;.001), access to care (b=.40, p=.007), lower levels of blood glucose (b=-.43, p&lt;.001) and depressive symptoms (b=-.84, p&lt;.001), a higher level of structural social capital was associated only with a higher level of physical exercise (b=.16, p=.002). The mediating effects of physical exercise and access to care were not significant. Findings suggest that cognitive social capital may have greater influence on blood glucose and depressive symptoms than structural social capital, and therefore have different implications for practice, especially in the context of pandemic-related disruptions to social capital. Future research should examine other mediators and investigate how promotion of cognitive social capital might improve health outcomes.

Community-Based Cognitive Social Capital and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in Urban China: The Moderating Role of Family Social Capital

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-316
Author(s):  
Jingyue Zhang ◽  
Nan Lu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Urban China ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Family Social Capital ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

The present study examined the moderating role of family social capital in the relationship between community-based cognitive social capital and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in urban China. Cross-sectional data were derived from a community survey conducted in Suzhou, China, in late 2015. Data from 441 respondents were included in the final analysis. Multiple group analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The latent construct of community-based cognitive social capital was based on trust and reciprocity indicators. Measurement invariance was established across groups with high or low family social capital. The results show that family social capital had a moderation effect on the relationship between community-based cognitive social capital and depressive symptoms. The effects of community-based cognitive social capital on depressive symptoms were higher among those with low family social capital. The findings demonstrate the interplay between family and community-based cognitive social capital. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Social Capital and Preferences for Aging in Place Among Older Adults Living in Rural Northeast China

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 5085
Author(s):  
Nan Lu ◽  
Shicun Xu ◽  
Qinghong Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Measurement Models ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Quota Sampling ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital ◽  
Structural Social Capital

The present study examines the association between cognitive social capital and structural social capital and aging-in-place among older adults living in rural Northeastern Chinese communities. Data were derived from a survey conducted in Dongliao County, Jilin Province, China, in late 2019. A quota sampling approach was used to recruit 458 respondents aged 60 years and older. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the proposed model. The results show that the measurement models of cognitive social capital and structural social capital were established in rural Chinese communities. Structural social capital was found to have a higher effect on aging in place than cognitive social capital (structural social capital: β = 0.241, p < 0.001; cognitive social capital: β = 0.118, p < 0.05). The findings highlight the crucial role both cognitive and structural social capital play in affecting the preference for aging in place among older rural Chinese adults. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.

The Longitudinal Association Between Passive Social Networking Site Usage and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Envy and Moderating Role of Life Satisfaction

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-199
Author(s):  
Hai-Zhen Wang ◽  
Ting-Ting Yang ◽  
James Gaskin ◽  
Jin-Liang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Indirect Relationship ◽  
The Relationship

Introduction: The relationship between Social Networking Site (SNS) usage and depressive symptoms is a growing concern among mental health researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this study was to better understand the mechanism and context under which SNS use affects depressive symptoms. Method: We did this by examining envy as a mediator of the relationship between passive SNS usage and depression over time, with life satisfaction as a moderator of this mediation effect. The sample included 266 college students, who completed the surveys in two waves. Results: The results showed that envy fully mediated the association between passive SNS usage and depression. This indirect relationship was moderated by level of life satisfaction. Specifically, and unexpectedly, among individuals with higher levels of life satisfaction, more frequent passive SNS use was related to increased envy, which, in turn, was associated with increased depressive symptoms. However, this indirect relationship was non-significant for those with lower levels of life satisfaction. Discussion: Thus, the potential of passive SNS use to increase depressive symptoms through envy among individuals with high life satisfaction should be considered when mental health practitioners design interventions.

scholarly journals SOCIAL CAPITAL AND HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE UTILIZATION AMONG URBAN OLDER CHINESE ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S637-S637
Author(s):  
Changmin Peng ◽  
Jeffery A Burr ◽  
Kyungmin Kim ◽  
Nan Lu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Older Chinese ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital ◽  
Older Chinese Adults ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Structural Social Capital

Abstract Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are increasingly important for older adults who want to maintain their independence and remain in their communities. Although HCBS systems have been developed widely in many western countries and in some countries in Asia, China is just beginning to grapple with its rapidly aging population by offering HCBS in a limited fashion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between structural (e.g., citizenship activities, volunteering) and cognitive (e.g., social trust, a sense of belonging) social capital and HCBS utilization among older Chinese adults. The study also examined the mediating effect of structural social capital for the the relationship between cognitive social capital and HCBS utilization. We frame the study within the Andersen behavioral model of health services utilization and argue that within this framework social capital is an enabling factor. We analyzed survey data from 456 community-dwelling older adults living in the Gusu district of the city of Suzhou, China in 2015. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships. The results showed that both cognitive and structural social capital were significantly associated with HCBS utilization. Structural social capital also served as a mediator between cognitive social capital and HCBS utilization, even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and other relevant covariates. The findings supported the utility of employing Andersen’s behavioral model and social capital theory for better understanding older Chinese adults’ utilization of HCBS. Interventions for increasing social capital may be useful for improving HCBS utilization in Chinese urban communities.

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