Social Support and Change in Depression Among Older Adults in Taiwan

This study investigates the association between social support and change in depression among older adults in Taiwan. Data are from an islandwide representative longitudinal study. The study sample includes 3,686 Taiwanese aged 50+ who completed a baseline survey and survived a 3-year follow-up peri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied gerontology 2012-12, Vol.31 (6), p.764-782
Main Authors: Zimmer, Zachary, Chen, Fen-Fang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging
Depression (Psychology)
Elderly
Gerontology
Mental depression
Mental health
Older people
Satisfaction
Social Change
Social Support
Taiwan
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Summary:This study investigates the association between social support and change in depression among older adults in Taiwan. Data are from an islandwide representative longitudinal study. The study sample includes 3,686 Taiwanese aged 50+ who completed a baseline survey and survived a 3-year follow-up period. Social support was measured by using indexes representing dimensions of tangible support, perceived emotional support, and support satisfaction. Two change in depression outcomes were constructed using a modified version of the CES-D. Results indicated that social support is a robust predictor of change in depression among those not depressed at baseline but is less consequential among those already in a state of depression. Support satisfaction is more strongly related to the outcomes than other dimensions. The discussion places the results within the Taiwanese context and provides policy implications.
ISSN:0733-4648
1552-4523
DOI:10.1177/0733464811401353