The relationship between social network characteristics and depressive symptoms among older adults in the United States: differentiating between network structure and network function

Abstract

Background Social networks and social support can influence older adults' depressive symptoms, but depressive symptoms can also influence network maintenance. This study examined longitudinal relationships between social network structure, social support, and depressive symptoms. Methods Data are from Waves 1 (2005–2006) and 2 (2010–2011) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a longitudinal study on health and social factors of older adults. Models examining: (i) the influence of T1 network structure and T1 social support on T2 depressive symptoms; (ii) the influence of T1 depressive symptoms and T1 network structure on T2 social support; and (iii) the influence of T1 depressive symptoms and T1 social support on T2 network structure, were estimated using ordinary least squares lagged dependent variable regression models. Results Evidence of reciprocal associations between social support and depressive symptoms were found, as well as social support and the number of close ties and frequency of contact. No clear reciprocal associations between social network structure and depressive symptoms were found, although density was associated with later depressive symptoms, and depressive symptoms were associated with later number of close ties. Conclusion The reciprocal relationship between network structure and depressive symptoms is weak, whereas social support is strongly related to both depression and network structure, suggesting the importance of having supportive ties in an older adult's personal network for positive mental health.

Different dimensions of social support differentially predict psychological well‐being in late life: opposite effects of perceived emotional support and marital status on symptoms of anxiety and of depression in older outpatients in Italy

“…The first finding is in line with the importance of emotional support among older adults 19 and consistent with research showing that social support is protective against symptoms of psychological distress (e.g 26,27,29,31–34,39,40 …”

“…In the field of ageing research, there are reports of positive, negative and no effects of social support on symptoms of depression, 22–37 symptoms of anxiety 26,30,33,36–38 and combined symptoms of anxiety and of depression 39,40 …”

Impact of Social Network Size and Contact Frequency on Resilience in Community-Dwelling Healthy Older Adults Living Alone in the Republic of Korea

“…Considering that resilience is linked to depression or mental health, it is likely to be in line with previous studies suggesting a positive aspect of the number of contacts. The positive effect of frequent contact with social network members for older adults may be supported by previous literature, such that frequent contacts with social network members had a positive effect on mental health and frequent contacts with friends or relatives indirectly ameliorated depressive symptoms [ 26 , 41 ].…”

“…However, practical implications for protecting the social health of older adults living alone reported in previous studies are insufficient because the samples inadequately reflected the characteristics of older adults living alone. In addition, the result may be moderated by health issues, because the social network is connected to health issues, such as impaired cognitive function [ 24 , 25 ], physical disabilities [ 25 ], and depression [ 26 , 27 ].…”

Association between perceived social support and better cognitive performance among caregivers and non-caregivers

“…A literature review reported that social support is a determinant of healthy ageing and should be stimulated in general society by professionals in different fields (10) . According to researchers, the importance of social support increases in old age (10)(11)(12) and is a predictor of better levels of mental health (13) , absence of depression (14)(15) , absence of physical disability (16) , and of improvements in wellbeing and quality of life (17)(18) .…”