Abstract
ABSTRACT The objectives of this study are to (1) examine the longitudinal relationships among social cohesion, mental health, and functional disabilities and (2) identify the direct and indirect paths of social cohesion to mental health and functional disabilities. We used data from waves 1 through 8 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Using an autoregressive cross-lagged panel design, we examined longitudinal relationships between social cohesion, functional disabilities, and mental health among older adults (N = 2,774). The results revealed that social cohesion and mental health status were stable across eight years, while functional disabilities deteriorated over time. The cross-lagged effect between functional disabilities and mental health has been revealed. In addition, mental health mediated the link between social cohesion and functional disabilities. Since social cohesion can promote mental health and affect functional disabilities through mental health, policymakers and practitioners should continue supporting initiatives promoting social cohesion.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call