scholarly journals Neighborhood-Based Social Capital and Depressive Symptoms among Adults: Evidence from Guangzhou, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11263
Author(s):  
Sanqin Mao ◽  
Jie Chen
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Urban Governance ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Social Classes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Socioeconomic Groups ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
Beneficial Effects

This study examined the association between neighborhood-based social capital (NSC) and depressive symptoms in the context of urban neighborhoods in China, with special attention given to the association heterogeneity across socioeconomic groups. Drawing on cross-sectional data collected from 39 neighborhoods in Guangzhou, this research demonstrated that adults’ depressive symptoms were higher among those with lower cognitive (trustworthiness, reciprocity, and cohesion within a neighborhood) and structural (social network and participation) dimensions of NSC. Further analysis showed that the negative association between NSC and depressive symptoms was significantly heterogeneous across socioeconomic groups. Specifically, this negative relationship was more prominent in the lower socioeconomic classes than in the upper socioeconomic classes, indicating that the lower accumulation of NSC among disadvantaged groups may aggravate depression unequally across social classes. In addition, the negative association between social participation and depressive symptoms was stronger for people who are older or unemployed. The findings of this study not only provide new evidence concerning the significance of the beneficial effects of NSC in the Chinese context, but also, more importantly, highlight that NSC plays a crucial role in creating mental health inequality across social classes. Thus, the relevant social interventions including fostering neighborhood relationships and social activities should be carefully tailored against the backdrop of community building during the urbanization process. The implications of our study for urban governance to promote healthy cities are discussed.

scholarly journals Mediators and Moderators of the Association Between Perceived Stress and Episodic Memory in Diverse Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Afsara B. Zaheed ◽  
Neika Sharifian ◽  
A. Zarina Kraal ◽  
Ketlyne Sol ◽  
Jennifer J. Manly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Memory

Abstract Objective: Stress is a risk factor for numerous negative health outcomes, including cognitive impairment in late-life. The negative association between stress and cognition may be mediated by depressive symptoms, which separate studies have identified as both a consequence of perceived stress and a risk factor for cognitive decline. Pathways linking perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and cognition may be moderated by sociodemographics and psychosocial resources. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to identify modifying factors and enhance understanding of the mechanisms underlying the stress–cognition association in a racially and ethnically diverse sample of older adults. Method: A linear regression estimated the association between perceived stress and episodic memory in 578 older adults (Mage = 74.58) in the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project. Subsequent models tested whether depressive symptoms mediated the stress–memory relationship and whether sociodemographics (gender, race, and ethnicity) or perceived control moderated these pathways. Results: Independent of sociodemographics and chronic diseases, greater perceived stress was associated with worse episodic memory. This relationship was mediated by more depressive symptoms. Higher perceived control buffered the association between stress and depressive symptoms. There was no significant moderation by gender, race, or ethnicity. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms may play a role in the negative association between perceived stress and cognition among older adults; however, longitudinal analyses and studies using experimental designs are needed. Perceived control is a modifiable psychological resource that may offset the negative impact of stress.

The Role of Relationships in Understanding the Alexithymia–Depression Link

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 470-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather M. Foran ◽  
K. Daniel O'Leary
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Daily Diary ◽  
Multilevel Modelling ◽  
Relationship Functioning ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Analytical Approaches ◽  
Poor Relationship

Alexithymia is associated with increased depressive symptoms in both clinical and community samples. One way that alexithymia may lead to depression is through its impact on interpersonal relationships. Individuals with alexithymia report lower perceived social support, intimacy, and relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, poor relationship functioning is a clear risk factor for depressive symptoms. Given the established alexithymia–depression link and marital dysfunction–depression link, a logical next step is to examine whether relationship dysfunction (low social support, intimacy, negative relationship behaviours, and relationship dissatisfaction) mediates the association between alexithymia and depressive symptoms. The hypothesized mediation model was assessed in a sample of 104 community couples with two analytical approaches—first with cross–sectional measures using path analysis and second with daily diary measures collected over a seven–day period using a multilevel modelling approach. Poor relationship functioning mediated the association between alexithymia and depressed mood in the daily diary data and partially mediated that association with the cross–sectional measures. These results identify alexithymia as an important variable in understanding the marital functioning–depression association, and this finding has implications for treatment. Copyright © 2012 European Association of Personality Psychology

scholarly journals Heligmosomoides polygyrusreduces infestation ofIxodes ricinusin free-living yellow-necked mice,Apodemus flavicollis

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. FERRARI ◽  
I. M. CATTADORI ◽  
A. RIZZOLI ◽  
P. J. HUDSON
Keyword(s):  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Host Susceptibility ◽  
Apodemus Flavicollis ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Cross Sectional

SUMMARYFree-living animals are usually inhabited by a community of parasitic species that can interact with each other and alter both host susceptibility and parasite transmission. In this study we tested the prediction that an increase in the gastrointestinal nematodeHeligmosomoides polygyruswould increase the infestation of the tickIxodes ricinus, in free-living yellow-necked mice,Apodemus flavicollis. An extensive cross-sectional trapping survey identified a negative relationship betweenH. polygyrusandI. ricinuscounter to the prediction. An experimental reduction of the nematode infection through anthelmintic treatment resulted in an increase in tick infestation, suggesting that this negative association was one of cause and effect. Host characteristics (breeding condition and age) and habitat variables also contributed to affect tick infestation. While these results were counter to the prediction, they still support the hypothesis that interactions between parasite species can shape parasite community dynamics in natural systems. Laboratory models may act differently from natural populations and the mechanism generating the negative association is discussed.

scholarly journals The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support Between Physical Activity Habit Strength and Depressive Symptoms in People Seeking to Decrease Their Cardiovascular Risk: Cross-Sectional Study

10.2196/11124 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e11124
Author(s):  
Vera Storm ◽  
Dominique Alexandra Reinwand ◽  
Julian Wienert ◽  
Shu-Ling Tan ◽  
Sonia Lippke
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Habit Strength ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background Regular physical activity treatment has been advocated for the prevention and rehabilitation of patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases and depressive symptoms. How physical activity is related to depressive symptoms is widely discussed. Objective The aim of this internet-based study was to investigate the role of perceived social support in the relationship between physical activity habit strength and depressive symptoms. Methods In total, 790 participants (mean 50.9 years, SD 12.2, range 20-84 years) who were interested in reducing their cardiovascular risk were recruited in Germany and the Netherlands. Data collection was conducted via an internet-based questionnaire addressing physical activity habit strength, depressive symptoms, and perceived social support. Cross-sectional data analysis was done with SPSS version 24 using the Macro PROCESS version 2 16.3 by Hayes with bootstrapping (10,000 samples), providing 95% CIs. Results Physical activity habit strength was negatively related to depressive symptoms (r=–.13, P=.006), but this interrelation disappeared when controlling for perceived social support (beta=–.14, SE 0.09, P=.11). However, there was an indirect relationship between physical activity habit strength and depressive symptoms, which was mediated via perceived social support (beta=–.13; SE 0.04, 95% CI –0.21 to 0.06). The negative relationship between physical activity habit strength and depressive symptoms was fully mediated by perceived social support. Conclusions We suggest that physical activity treatment in people interested in reducing their cardiovascular risk should also embed social support to target depressive symptoms. Internet-based interventions and electronic health may provide a good option for doing so. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01909349; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01909349 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73Y9RfdiY)

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms, Leisure Activity Engagement, and Global Cognition in Non-Hispanic White and Black Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 581-582
Author(s):  
A Zarina Kraal ◽  
Laura Zahodne ◽  
Neika Sharifian
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Global Cognition

Abstract Prior research has linked more depressive symptoms to worse global cognition in older adulthood through lower leisure activity engagement. Less is known regarding which types of activities drive these associations. Additionally, depressive symptoms disproportionately affect cognition in Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) versus Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). This cross-sectional study used data from the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (n=453, 52% NHB, Mage=63.60 years) to examine whether distinct leisure activities (solitary-cognitive, solitary-creative, community-social, physical, intergenerational-social, cognitive-games) mediated the association between depressive symptoms and global cognition and whether race moderated these associations. Lower engagement in solitary-cognitive activities partially mediated the negative association between depressive symptoms and global cognition. In multi-group models, this indirect effect was only evident in NHBs, who showed a stronger negative association between depressive symptoms and activity engagement than NHWs. While cross-sectional, findings indicate that depressive symptoms may negatively impact cognition by reducing engagement in activities that promote cognitive reserve.

scholarly journals Differences in depressive symptoms by rurality in Japan: a cross-sectional multilevel study using different aggregation units of municipalities and neighborhoods (JAGES)

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariko Kanamori ◽  
Masamichi Hanazato ◽  
Daisuke Takagi ◽  
Katsunori Kondo ◽  
Toshiyuki Ojima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Civic Participation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Rural Municipalities ◽  
Neighborhood Level ◽  
Geographical Units

Abstract Background Rurality can reflect many aspects of the community, including community characteristics that may be associated with mental health. In this study, we focused on geographical units to address multiple layers of a rural environment. By evaluating rurality at both the municipality and neighborhood (i.e., a smaller unit within a municipality) levels in Japan, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between depression and rurality. To explore the mechanisms linking rurality and depression, we examined how the association between rurality and depression can be explained by community social capital according to geographical units. Methods We used cross-sectional data from the 2016 wave of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study involving 144,822 respondents aged 65 years or older residing in 937 neighborhoods across 39 municipalities. The population density quintile for municipality-level rurality and the quintile for the time required to reach densely inhabited districts for neighborhood-level rurality were used. We calculated the prevalence ratios of depressive symptoms by gender using a three-level (individual, neighborhood, and municipality) Poisson regression. Community social capital was assessed using three components: civic participation, social cohesion, and reciprocity. Results The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in municipalities with lower population density than those with the highest population density; the ratios were 1.22 (95% confidence intervals: 1.15, 1.30) for men and 1.22 (1.13, 1.31) for women. In contrast, when evaluating rurality at the neighborhood level, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 0.9 times lower for men in rural areas; no such association was observed for women. In rural municipalities, community civic participation was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. In rural neighborhoods, community social cohesion and reciprocity were linked to a lower risk of depressive symptoms. Conclusions The association between rurality and depression varied according to geographical unit. In rural municipalities, the risk of depression may be higher for both men and women, and the presence of an environment conducive to civic participation may contribute to a higher risk of depression, as observed in this study. The risk of depression in men may be lower in rural neighborhoods in Japan, which may be related to high social cohesion and reciprocity.

scholarly journals Social Capital and Health in the Oldest Old

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrica Nyqvist ◽  
Janna Gustavsson ◽  
Yngve Gustafsson
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Structural Social Capital

The aim of this study was to measure social capital in the oldest old, and its association with different dimensions of health. The Umeå 85+ study is a cross-sectional study of 253 people, aged 85 years, 90 years and 95 years or older. A principal component factor analysis was performed to assess classes of information measuring the structural and the cognitive components of social capital on an individual level. In the final model, one factor consisting of attachment, social integration and social network emerged which accounted for 55 per cent of the total variance. We analysed the association between structural social capital and various dimensions of health such as depressive symptoms, functional ability and self-rated health. This study suggests that structural social capital may partially explain depressive symptoms but not functional ability or self-rated health. We conclude that social capital is a relevant resource for the oldest old, but we suggest a different approach when measuring social capital in this age group, such as conducting a longitudinal study or including retrospective questions in the study. The oldest old may have had a high level of social capital, but our study could not identify this statistically.

scholarly journals Change in Municipality-Level Health-Related Social Capital and Depressive Symptoms: Ecological and 5-Year Repeated Cross-Sectional Study from the JAGES

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 2038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryota Watanabe ◽  
Katsunori Kondo ◽  
Tami Saito ◽  
Taishi Tsuji ◽  
Takahiro Hayashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Relationship

Prevalence of depressive symptoms is lower in communities with greater social capital (SC). However, it is unclear whether a prevalence of depressive symptoms will decrease in communities where SC has increased. We investigated the relationship between the changes in municipality-level SC and depressive symptoms by using 5-year repeated cross-sectional data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. In 2010 and 2016, self-reported questionnaires were mailed to functionally independent residents aged 65 years or older living in 44 municipalities; valid responses were received from 72,718 and 84,211 people in 2010 and 2016, respectively. All scores were aggregated at the municipality level. The dependent variable was the change in the prevalence of depressive symptoms that were diagnosed with a 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Independent variables were the score of change in health-related SC indicators, e.g., social participation, social cohesion, and reciprocity. A multiple regression analysis was employed. The average prevalence of depressive symptoms decreased from 28.6% in 2010 to 21.3% in 2016. The increases in the percentages of sports group participation (B, −0.356), and reciprocity scores (B, −0.597) were significantly associated with the decrease in the prevalence of depressive symptoms after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Our findings suggest that community SC might be an intervention for protecting depressive symptoms in municipalities.

scholarly journals Social Capital, Institutional Rules, and Constitutional Amendment Rates

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Blake ◽  
Joseph Cozza ◽  
Amanda Friesen
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Transaction Costs ◽  
Legal Theory ◽  
Political Trust ◽  
Constitutional Amendment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Constitutional Amendments ◽  
Institutional Rules ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Time Series Analyses

Why are some constitutions amended more frequently than others? Despite the importance of this question to political science and legal theory, there is little consensus regarding the forces that shape constitutional amendments. Some scholars only focus on institutional factors, while others emphasize variations in culture. This paper makes a contribution to both literatures by examining how social capital reduces the transaction costs imposed by amendment rules. We conduct cross-sectional analyses of amendment rates for democratic constitutions globally and time-series analyses of efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution. The results indicate amendment frequency is a product of amendment rules, group membership, civic activism, and levels of social and political trust, but these effects vary across contexts based on the corresponding transaction costs. Our findings suggest social capital can have beneficial effects on social movements that demand constitutional amendments and the political elites and voters who supply them.

scholarly journals The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support Between Physical Activity Habit Strength and Depressive Symptoms in People Seeking to Decrease Their Cardiovascular Risk: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Storm ◽  
Dominique Alexandra Reinwand ◽  
Julian Wienert ◽  
Shu-Ling Tan ◽  
Sonia Lippke
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Habit Strength ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND Regular physical activity treatment has been advocated for the prevention and rehabilitation of patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases and depressive symptoms. How physical activity is related to depressive symptoms is widely discussed. OBJECTIVE The aim of this internet-based study was to investigate the role of perceived social support in the relationship between physical activity habit strength and depressive symptoms. METHODS In total, 790 participants (mean 50.9 years, SD 12.2, range 20-84 years) who were interested in reducing their cardiovascular risk were recruited in Germany and the Netherlands. Data collection was conducted via an internet-based questionnaire addressing physical activity habit strength, depressive symptoms, and perceived social support. Cross-sectional data analysis was done with SPSS version 24 using the Macro PROCESS version 2 16.3 by Hayes with bootstrapping (10,000 samples), providing 95% CIs. RESULTS Physical activity habit strength was negatively related to depressive symptoms (r=–.13, P=.006), but this interrelation disappeared when controlling for perceived social support (beta=–.14, SE 0.09, P=.11). However, there was an indirect relationship between physical activity habit strength and depressive symptoms, which was mediated via perceived social support (beta=–.13; SE 0.04, 95% CI –0.21 to 0.06). The negative relationship between physical activity habit strength and depressive symptoms was fully mediated by perceived social support. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that physical activity treatment in people interested in reducing their cardiovascular risk should also embed social support to target depressive symptoms. Internet-based interventions and electronic health may provide a good option for doing so. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01909349; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01909349 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73Y9RfdiY)

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