Multilayered social dynamics and depression among older adults: A 10-year cross-lagged analysis

Abstract

Depression in older adults is associated with decreased physical, cognitive, and social functioning, which in turn, are associated with increased mortality. Research has found that robust social networks can protect against depression, yet it is unclear whether the relationship between social ties and depression is reciprocal. Moreover, links between network connections at different social layers are not well understood. This study uses a representative sample with panel data collected between 2005 and 2016 to identify the influence of social network composition on subsequent depression and explore how various layers of human relationships (e.g., community vs. interpersonal level) influence one another. Results demonstrate multiple links between social connection and depression, and that the evolution of social networks in older adults is complex, with distinct mechanisms leading to positive and negative outcomes. Specifically, community involvement showed consistent benefits in reducing depression. In contrast, intimate partnerships appear to increase susceptibility to depression among older adults through exposure to the severe outcomes of partner loss. In addition, intimate partnerships reduce future interpersonal connections, whereas community involvement increases future interpersonal connections for older adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).