Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2019
Journal / Book Title
Research on aging
Abstract
The present study investigates the association between social connectedness (i.e., social network characteristics, family and friend support, and social ties with neighbors), emotional well-being, and self-rated health and whether these associations differ based on respondents’ relationship status among adults aged 62 and older. A series of multigroup generalized structural equation models (GSEMs) were conducted using data from the National Social, Health, and Aging Project. Social connectedness items were mostly positively associated with emotional well-being and self-rated health, and several of these associations are stronger for older adults who are unpartnered versus those who are cohabiting or married. Cohabiting and married individuals do not appear to have the same associations between social network size, friend support, and emotional well-being compared to unpartnered older adults. The present study lends support for how a variety of social supports are vital for older adults and their well-being.
DOI
10.1177/0164027518815260
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Ermer, Ashley and Proulx, Christine M., "Associations between Social Connectedness, Emotional Well-Being, and Self-Rated Health Among Older Adults: Difference by Relationship Status" (2019). Department of Family Science and Human Development Scholarship and Creative Works. 33.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/familysci-facpubs/33
Published Citation
Ermer, A. E., & Proulx, C. M. (2019). Associations between social connectedness, emotional well-being, and self-rated health among older adults: Difference by relationship status. Research on aging, 41(4), 336-361.