An exploration of the relationship of social networks with depression among older adults : a prospective study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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Date
2014
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Massey University
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Abstract
Research has highlighted social integration as a protective factor against
depression among older adults. This thesis aims to clarify whether specific
features of social networks are particularly important, the effect of perceived
connectedness on the relationship between structural social integration and
depressive symptoms, and whether social integration is a longitudinal
predictor of depressive symptoms among older adults. The thesis also
describes the social networks and prevalence of depression among older
people in New Zealand, including older Māori, of which there is limited
availability of existing research.
The current study utilised data taken at three waves of measurement
from 3594 community-dwelling older people living in New Zealand
including 172 older Māori. The relationship between components of social
network structure and depression were compared using standard statistical
techniques. Consistent with previous research, contact with non-family
social ties was significantly and negatively associated with depressive
symptoms whereas contact with family was not significantly correlated.
Unlike other studies, social network size significantly predicted depressive
symptoms. A series of hierarchical multivariate linear regression models
indicated that, after controlling for demographics and health variables such
as age, functional ability and exercise, structural integration and perceived
connectedness uniquely explained between 1 and 4% of the variability in
depressive symptoms. According to a multilevel model for change, social
integration did not predict different trajectories of depressive symptoms
over 36-months. Perceived connectedness was found to mediate 29% of the
effect of structural social integration on depressive symptoms.
Results highlight the relative importance of perceived connectedness
in older adults’ depression. Composite measures of structural social
integration in depression research with older people are indicated with the
exception of items related to family ties and marital status. Measures of
social integration, especially objective measures based on social network
structure, may not be reliable indicators of depression risk. These findings
highlight a need for further investigation into the efficacy of social
interventions, especially targeting non-family ties and perceived
connectedness.
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Keywords
Depression, Older people, Social networks, Depression in old age, Depresson and social networks