Loss of friends and psychological well-being of older Chinese immigrants

Background and objectives: Focusing on a less studied aspect of friendship and an overlooked type of loss, this study examined associations between loss of friends and psychological well-being among older Chinese immigrants and whether such associations are moderated by age, gender, marital status, and social connection. Research methods: This study used baseline data from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago. Linear and logistic regressions tested whether the loss of friends was associated depressive symptoms, loneliness, and quality of life . Interaction terms were created to test the moderating effects . Results: Losing friends was associated with a greater sense of loneliness but also a higher chance of reporting good quality of life. The association between the loss of friends and loneliness was stronger among married and young-old (59-69) participants . The association between the loss of friends and quality of life was stronger among young-old and old-old (70-79) participants and the participants with the high level of social connection.

Automated summary

This study found that losing friends is associated with increased loneliness but also with a higher likelihood of reporting good quality of life among older Chinese immigrants. The associations between loss of friends and loneliness were stronger among married and younger elderly participants, while the associations between loss of friends and quality of life were stronger among younger and older elderly participants, as well as those with higher social connections.