Abstract
ABSTRACT This study investigates the association between childhood friendships and depression in later life. We place a particular emphasis on exploring the mediating roles of in-person and online social connectedness, as well as the moderating role of sex. The study utilised data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Our findings reveal a significant association between higher-quality childhood friendships and reduced levels of depression in later life. Furthermore, online and in-person social connectedness act as mediators in the above relationship. Additionally, sex exerts a moderating role in this association, with female individuals exhibiting a stronger correlation than their male counterparts. These results underscore that there should be a concerted effort to cultivate positive childhood experiences, with a specific emphasis on fostering high-quality friendships, particularly for female individuals. Additionally, social policies should prioritise the enhancement of online and in-person social connectedness, providing a crucial avenue for alleviating depression in later life.
Published Version
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