Negative Life Events, Social Ties, and Depressive Symptoms for Older Adults in China

Although it is widely acknowledged that older adults who have gone through negative life events are more likely to develop depression, there is limited evidence on whether and which type of social ties moderate this perceived relationship. Based on 2016 and 2018 waves of Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (4,466 individuals, 8,932 observations), we apply linear fixed effects models and confirm that negative life events are associated with depressive symptoms for older adults (Coef. = 0.35; 95% CIs 0.11-0.61), and social ties are negatively associated with depression (Coef. = -0.08; 95% CIs -0.10 to -0.07). Our study further suggests that the association between negative life events and depressive symptoms is significantly moderated by friendship ties (Coef. = -0.18, 95% CIs -0.30 to -0.07), rather than family ties (Coef. = -0.03, 95% CIs -0.09 to 0.15). Moreover, the buffering effects of friendship ties are more prominent for the less resilient and less privileged groups, namely male, rural, and less educated older adults. Our findings point to the importance of expanding and strengthening social networks for Chinese older adults in promoting their psychological health.

Automated summary

This study aims to explore the impact of negative life events on depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults and investigate the moderating role of social ties. The results indicate that negative life events are associated with depressive symptoms in older adults, and social ties have a negative influence on depression. Specifically, friendship ties significantly moderate the relationship between negative life events and depressive symptoms, while family ties do not. Furthermore, the buffering effects of friendship ties are more prominent in male, rural, and less educated older adults. Therefore, expanding and strengthening social networks is crucial for the psychological well-being of Chinese older adults.