SOCIAL NETWORK FUNCTIONS RELATED TO CO-ENGAGEMENT IN SOCIAL ACTIVITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

Abstract

Socially engaging with others has been shown to be important for the well-being of older adults. However, little is known about how co-engaging in activity with someone may facilitate well-being. This study investigated whether network functions (i.e., social support, companionship, social influence) are more likely to occur in relationships involving co-engagement in activities, versus relationships without co-engagement, and whether these functions may explain well-being. Adults ages 60 years and older were interviewed once in-person or by phone in a rural US Midwestern city. A total of 133 respondents provided information on 1,740 relationships within their social networks. Respondents identified 68% of enumerated network members as someone they interacted with at least once a month. Focusing on those who interacted at least monthly, 57% co-engaged in social activities with the respondent. Results of the generalized linear mixed model analyses showed the relationships involving co-engagement were more likely to also involve emotional support (OR=3.69, p<0.001), informational support (OR=2.91, p<0.001), companionship (OR=9.38, p<0.001), and encouragement for healthy behaviors (OR=2.55, p=0.002) than those not involving co-engagement. Having more members providing companionship was associated with better psychological well-being: Ryff’s environmental mastery (p=0.01) and positive relations with others (p<0.01) scales. Co-engagement in social activity brings social benefits like support, companionship, and encouragement. Companionship may contribute to the psychological well-being of older adults. Future research may explore how other aspects of older adults’ well-being, such as physical health and health behaviors, may be facilitated by functions like social influence and support arising from co-engagement in social activity.