Differences In Social Participation Research Articles

Social participation of low‐income older adults in deprived urban neighborhoods in Amsterdam: A study among native Dutch, and Surinamese, Moroccan and Turkish migrants in The Netherlands

AbstractThis paper explores differences in social participation among low‐income older migrants and socioeconomically similar native Dutch older adults living in deprived neighborhoods in Amsterdam. It also analyzes experiences of social participation in relation to perceived neighborhood conditions. Analysis of 85 in‐depth interviews reveals that the types of activities that low‐income older adults participate in center around less demanding (collective) rather than more demanding (political and productive) forms of social participation. Differences in social participation were associated with personal characteristics and with neighborhood experiences. The findings articulate the dynamic and complex interaction between the competencies of older adults belonging to different ethnic communities and their diverse preferences and environmental needs. Older migrants living in areas where their own group is dominant enjoyed better access to ethnic services and experienced greater opportunities for social interaction. However, when compared to their native Dutch counterparts, they were more likely to encounter language barriers and to experience specific environmental problems, such as inadequate housing conditions and paid parking.

Depressive disorder benefits of cities: Evidence from the China

BackgroundRapid urbanization is a major trend in global population migration. There is growing debate about whether this urban-rural disparity exacerbate depression at the individual level. This study aims to investigate how urban living has a beneficial impact on individual mental health. MethodsBased on the data of 15,764 participants in the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we perform analysis of variance to identify the gap in depression levels between urban and rural areas. Extensive comparisons and detailed statistical analyses are carried out to demonstrate the differences in social participation between urban and rural residents. Finally, we conduct a series of mediation and moderation analyses to reveal the underlying mechanisms of depressive disorder benefits of cities. ResultsThe results indicate that those who lived in urban areas were less likely to suffer from depression (β = −1.461, 95 % CI = [−1.691, −1.235], p < 0.001). Social engagement is found to mediate the relationship between residence type (β = 0.164, 95 % CI = [0.136, 0.193], p < 0.001) and individual depression (β = −0.462, 95 % CI = [−0.587, −0.337], p < 0.001). City size plays a moderating role in the association between urban living and social engagement. LimitationsThe mechanism is conducted through cross-sectional data. Self-reported depression status is accessed in this study, which could lead to measurement error. ConclusionThis study demonstrates the beneficial effects of urban living on individual depression, and reveals the mechanism by which urbanization at different scales affects the prevalence of depression.

Social participation of adults aging with long-term physical disabilities: A cross-sectional study investigating the role of transportation mode and urban vs rural living

BackgroundAdults aging with long-term physical disabilities (AAwPDs) experience barriers in the built environment that can hinder their participation in meaningful social roles and activities. However, interventions addressing built environment barriers to participation for AAwPD are limited. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine how the built environment and other socioenvironmental factors influence the social participation of AAwPD to inform future interventions and service provision. We hypothesized that social participation would be significantly different between AAwPD using private versus public transportation and living in urban versus rural areas. MethodsThis cross-sectional study of 331 Missouri-dwelling AAwPD reports findings on relationships among transportation mode, urban versus rural residence, and ability to participate in social roles and activities using PROMIS measures. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) explored differences in social participation across transportation mode and residential location. Linear regression examined associations among socioenvironmental factors, individual factors, and social participation. ResultsThe MANCOVA demonstrated significant differences in social participation across transportation mode and urban versus rural residential location. Specifically, AAwPD using paratransit and living in urban areas reported significantly higher social participation than rural-dwelling individuals and private transportation users (p < .001). The linear regression revealed that individual factors served a larger role in predicting social participation than built or social environmental factors. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that transportation mode plays a significant role in shaping social participation outcomes for AAwPD. However, compared to built and social environmental factors, individual factors (i.e., physical function, ‘aging-with-disability’ symptoms) may restrict social participation more.

Social Participation Through the Retirement Transition: Differences by Gender and Employment Status.

This study examines how retirees' formal and informal social participation change over time and investigates gendered differences. Seven waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing track the frequency of social participation. A comparison group of employed individuals, weighted with coarsened exact matching, controls for age and time trends, and mixed model regressions estimate changes over time. Retirees show a gradual decline in the frequency of meeting friends and an abrupt decrease in the frequency of attending a social gathering, compared to their working peers. These trends are much stronger for men than women, and compound pre-existing gender differences in social participation. The more severe decline in the social participation of men is of great concern and points to the persistence of gendered employment structures into the retirement transition, putting Korean retirees at risk of social isolation and related health deterioration.

Community intervention programs prolong the onset of functional disability among older Japanese.

AimThis study examined the effects of a “community‐based center” intervention to prevent the onset of functional disability among residents in disaster‐affected areas.MethodsWe used data from a prospective cohort study conducted from 2010 to 2016 in Iwanuma City, Japan. Participants were community‐dwelling independent adults aged ≥65 years. The exposure variable was the experience of using a community‐based center. The outcome variable was functional disability onset. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) was estimated by adjusting for possible confounders. Additional analysis stratified by sex was conducted considering the sex differences in social participation rates.ResultsAmong 3794 participants (mean ± SD age = 72.9 ±5.3 years, 46.0% men), 196 (5.2%) used the community‐based center, and 849 (22.4%) exhibited disability onset. Of those with functional disabilities, 40 (20.4%) used the community‐based center, while 809 (22.5%) did not. The ATET for functional disability onset with community‐based center activities across all participants were not significant (ATET: 0.51 years [95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.23; 1.27]). However, the direction of the effect of community‐based center activities differed by sex (ATET: −0.14, 95% CI = −2.59; 2.31 for men [n = 18], and 0.66, 95% CI = 0.18; 1.16 for women [n = 178]). Women exhibited a 15.63% (95% CI = 3.58; 27.68) increase in the time until functional disability onset.ConclusionsThe use of community‐based centers was associated with a longer period without functional disability in women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 465–470.

Gender-Related Differences in Social Participation Among Japanese Elderly Individuals During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction/Objectives:The health of elderly individuals is known to benefit from maintaining societal involvement and relationships with other people, such as through social participation. We aimed to determine trends in the percentage of Japanese elderly people who engaged in social participation before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in one municipality in Japan, and compared differences in this status by gender.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Questionnaires were sent by mail to 3000 people aged 65 to 85 years who were randomly selected by the administrative staff of the city. Participant characteristics (age, gender, working status, residential status) and their economic status, daily physical activity, and social participation status were obtained at 3 time points: (1) before the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020; (2) immediately prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in April 2020; and (3) in January 2021, 1 year after (1).Results:A total of 1301 people responded to the survey. The mean age was 73.3 (SD 5.5) years, and 690 (53.0%) were women. There were significant gender differences in terms of living alone, employment status, and amount of physical activity. The number of people reporting social participation gradually decreased from 543 respondents (41.7%) at (1) to 319 (24.5%) at (2) and 251 (19.3%) at (3). Women were more likely to demonstrate reduced social participation.Conclusions:Elderly individuals, particularly women, reported decreased social participation during the pandemic.

The Influence of Interpersonal Behaviors and Population Density on Grip Strength of Elderly People: An Analysis of the Direct vs. Indirect Effects via Social Participation.

The impact of social participation (SP) on the health of the elderly has been widely recognized, and urban-rural differences in social participation have attracted attention. However, few studies discussed the impact of social participation on specific health indicators and the further subdivision of urban-rural differences. This research aims to use the dimensions of interpersonal behaviors and population density rather than simple urban-rural distinctions to justify community differences and compare these differences' direct and indirect effects on grip strength. This study used 15,871 respondents aged over 50 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). An SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis was used to explore the joint effect of interpersonal behavior and population density on social participation and the consequent impact on changes in grip strength and compare the differences among different genders, ages, wealth levels, and family relationships. The results indicated that community differences characterized by interpersonal behavior and population density have direct effects on grip strength and indirect effects on it through social participation. The conclusion is that the frequency of social activities, such as mah-jong and dancing in the Metropolitan Fringe and county-level cities is higher than that in Metropolitan centers. The high frequency of these activities has a positive and indirect impact on grip strength, and community differences have a more significant impact on women's social participation than men. However, the direct effect of community differences as defined by interpersonal communication and population density on grip strength is greater than the indirect effect of other factors through social participation.

Differences in social participation of older adults across European welfare regimes: Fourteen years of SHARE data collection

Social participation amongst older adults is considered generally beneficial and is supported by active ageing policies in Europe. However, efforts to increase the quality of life and enhance the ageing experience may have the unintended consequence of increasing later life inequalities. This study uses six waves from SHARE to illustrate how social participation develops over time and how it is structured by education, financial situation and health status in the context of five European welfare regimes. The level of participation slightly increases over time for the population 55+, whilst the inequalities in access to these activities and their outcomes remain stable. Therefore, support of these activities does not strengthen or reduce inequalities amongst older adults – it may rather legitimise the inequalities in its emphasis on individual responsibilities. These findings suggest that the active ageing approach needs to become more context-sensitive or replaced by other social policy approaches.

Cohort Differences in Social Participation in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project

Has American society become more socially disconnected as Robert Putnam argues in Bowling Alone? Claude Fischer disputes this contention with evidence that Americans remain about as connected to friends and family as in the past. We address this debate with data for older adults from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Study, collected in 2005, 2010, and 2015. We compare social participation as reported at ages 57 to 68 for members of the Silent Generation cohort vs the Baby Boom cohort. We find that the gender gap in social participation evident for the Silent Generation does not exist at all for younger Baby Boomers, only appearing after age 62. These same cohort differences appear for participation in religious services and organized groups. This suggest that the gendered separation of social roles that characterized older generations is becoming less pronounced, with implications for social support and social isolation.

Is community mobility contingent upon driving? Attitudes toward and intentions to use alternative modes of transport according to a mixed-aged sample

BackgroundCommunity mobility, the ability to move about one's community by any mode of transportation, is vital to social participation and wellbeing, especially for older adults, however it is heavily reliant on private motor vehicles. Biopsychosocial risk factors mean that drivers may eventually need to stop driving. Preparation and gradual cessation have been identified as being key in the transition to non-driving; however, little is known about variation in drivers' activities across age groups, and whether drivers contemplate or plan for driving cessation. The aims of this study were to determine any age differences relating to mobility and social engagement patterns, driver identity, whether drivers recognise a need to adapt to non-driving futures, and how mobility needs might be met without driving. MethodParticipants were recruited from university participant pools and massive open online course (MOOC) platforms, social media, research participation databases, and snowball sampling. Respondents completed an online self-reported questionnaire, consisting of items assessing the travel patterns and transport preferences across a sample of 605 participants, aged 18–85 years. Differences in social participation, mobility and recognising and/or planning for driving cessation were explored across age groups. ResultsDrivers identified personally important places accessed by driving. Content analysis revealed two themes. The first of these we titled Routine and Practical, which contained few codes but was frequently endorsed. The second theme, Life Enriching, contained many codes and demonstrated the richness of drivers’ community activities. Analysis of quantitative data revealed older drivers perceived greater life change due to driving cessation and were more aware of potential future driving cessation, but were less willing to move house to be closer to transport and services. Frequency of and satisfaction with socialising were comparable for age groups, highlighting the importance of discretionary travel across the lifespan. No significant differences were found for driving cessation planning between age groups; despite greater awareness of driving cessation, older drivers engaged in the same amount of cessation planning as other groups. DiscussionThe present study demonstrates the similarities across age groups in terms of variety in social activities, providing a timely reminder of the need to consider discretionary mobility of all age groups, and a need to provide appropriate resources to prompt driving cessation planning.

Sex Differences in Social Participation of High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

There is lack of consensus in the literature regarding sex differences in social outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum. Furthermore, little research has focused on the social experiences of high school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the school day. Using a large racially/ethnically diverse sample of high school students with ASD receiving special education services (n = 547; 76 females, 471 males), we examined sex differences in social interactions of youth both during and after school. We also tested for sex differences in background and phenotypic characteristics including autism severity, IQ, adaptive behavior, and mental health. Results indicated few statistically significant differences between males and females in social interactions and phenotypic characteristics (including raw scores of autism symptom severity). However, analysis of standardized scores of autism symptoms suggested that symptom scores for females with ASD diverged more from same-sex peers in the normed sample than scores of males with ASD. Lack of sex difference in social participation for youth with ASD in this study stands in contrast to patterns of sex differences in the general population. Findings suggest that few differences between males and females with ASD, both in social participation and autism symptom severity, might result in females with ASD being more dissimilar to their same-sex peers than males with ASD. Implications of findings for understanding sex differences in ASD across the life course are discussed. LAY SUMMARY: The present study examined sex differences in social participation in a large, diverse sample of high school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Males and females were very similar in their social interactions both at school and outside of school, based on reports by teachers and parents. Level of autism symptoms was also similar for males and females. However, standardized scores of autism symptoms, which take into account age and sex specific norms, suggested that females with ASD may have behaviors that are more divergent from their same-sex peers than males with ASD.

Social Participation Among Older Adults Receiving Community Care Services.

Aged care services have the potential to support social participation for the growing number of adults aging at home, but little is known about the types of social activities older adults in community care are engaged in. We used cluster analysis to examine the current profiles of social participation across seven domains in 1,114 older Australians, and chi-square analyses to explore between-group differences in social participation and sociodemographic and community care service use. Two distinct participation profiles were identified: (a) connected, capable, older rural women and (b) isolated, high-needs, urban-dwelling men. The first group had higher levels of engagement across six social participation domains compared with the second group. Social participation among older adults receiving community care services varies by gender, age, individual care needs, and geographical location. More targeted service provision at both the individual and community levels may assist older adults to access social participation opportunities.

Stronger feelings of loneliness among Moroccan and Turkish older adults in the Netherlands: in search for an explanation

The prevalence of loneliness among Turkish–Dutch and Moroccan–Dutch older adults is higher than among Dutch older adults of non-migrant origin. Three explanations may account for this difference: (1) differential item functioning might result in scores that vary in intensity and in meaning across categories; (2) the position of migrants is much more vulnerable than that of non-migrants; (3) the lack of protective factors has more severe consequences for older migrants. The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam interviewed 176 persons born in Morocco and 235 born in Turkey, aged 55–66 and living in urban areas. They are compared with a matched sample of 292 Dutch persons. The psychometric properties of the loneliness scale are satisfying, although there is some differential item functioning. Older migrants have more frequent social contacts but are at a disadvantage in other domains. Taking into account differences in social participation, satisfaction with income, mastery and depressive symptoms, the difference between older migrants’ and non-migrants’ loneliness is reduced by more than half. Protective factors are equally important for older migrants and non-migrants. Exceptions are marriage (less protective for Moroccans), frequent contact with children/children-in-law (mostly for Turks), a higher educational level (protects Moroccans and Turks) and better physical functioning (less for Turks). Being an older migrant and belonging to a minority might further contribute to feelings of loneliness. Interventions can be directed at stimulating social contact, but also at aspects like enhancing the appreciation of their social status and avoiding negative interpretations of a situation.

Social participation of students with special educational needs in inclusive elementary schools

This article examines the social participation of students with special needs in four aspects, namely friendship, interaction, social self-perception, and peers acceptance. This study discuss about the social participation of students with special needs in inclusive school. This research is descriptive quantitative and the relationship between the four aspects of social participation. The subject of this research are students with special needs and regular students in ten inclusive elementary school, Padang. The social self-perception was measured with three aspects such as the Self-Perception Profile for Children, The Self-Description Questionnaire and Peer Social Acceptance The results showed that the majority of students with special needs have a satisfying level of social participation. However, if compared with their peers (regular students), students with special needs are more likely to have difficulties on social participation. In general, students with special needs have fewer friends and have less cohesive friendship than their peers. In addition, students with special needs have less interaction with peers, more interaction with the teacher, and less accepted by their normal peers. Social self-perception of students with special needs and regular students are no different. There is no significant differences in social participation in both groups.

Psychological well-being and healthy communities: Women as makers of relational well-being by social street strategies

This paper presents a Social Street experience born of the perception of a lack of solidarity among neighbors and the desire to create a new neighborhood model. The goal was to explore the Social Street phenomenon through the relationship between individuals and their community. Furthermore, the goals include promoting the awareness of the critical issues of the territory to activate empowerment and change, analyzing the effectiveness of Social Street through the study of social networks, and investigating differences in social participation and in social cohesion. The most relevant result is that gender emerges as a context variable because Social Street members are mostly women. In fact, the role of women is relevant in structuring relational contexts and improving community networks and relationships.

Influence of Environmental Factors on Social Participation Post-Stroke

Objectives For rehabilitation professionals to adequately address meaningful participation in social activities with their patients after a stroke, there must be a better understanding of neurobehavior, that is, how neurological impairment and its sequelae and environmental factors support or limit social participation. The current study examines how stroke severity (NIH Stroke Scale), its impact on perceived mobility (Stroke Impact Scale mobility domain), and the environment (MOS Social Support–Positive Social Interactions scale and Measure of Stroke Environment receptivity and built environment domains) influence social participation (Activity Card Sort: ACS). Methods A correlational, cross-sectional design examined the relationships among neurological impairment, perceived limitations in activity, environmental factors, and social participation. Participants included 48 individuals who were at least 6 months post-stroke both with aphasia (N = 22) and without aphasia (N = 26) living in the community for whom all measures were available for analysis. Results No differences in social participation were found between those with and without aphasia, though both groups reported a large (25-30%) decline in participating in their prestroke social activities. For the ACS Social Domain activities and ACS Partner to Do With activities (percent retained), 37% and 35% of the variance, respectively, was accounted for by the predictor variables, with only MOS Social Support making an independent contribution to social participation. In this sample, neurological impairment was not a significant correlate of social participation. Additionally, perceived mobility and the built environment were not found to independently predict participation in social activities. Conclusions Perceived social support was found to predict social participation in individuals living in the community 6 months or greater post-stroke. Focusing on social support during post-stroke rehabilitation may provide an avenue for increased social participation and more successful community reintegration.

Hogere eenzaamheid onder Marokkaanse en Turkse ouderen in Nederland: Op zoek naar een verklaring

The prevalence of loneliness among Turkish- and Moroccan-Dutch older adults is higher than among Dutch older adults of non-migrant origin. Two explanations may account for this difference. (1) The meaning of the concept may differ, or there is differential item functioning. This might result in scores that not only differ in intensity but also in meaning across groups. (2) The position of older migrants is much more vulnerable than of non-migrant older people. Data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam were used to examine support for both explanations. Feelings of loneliness are explored among 176 people born in Morocco and 235 people born in Turkey, aged 55-66years, and living in urban areas. They migrated on average 35years ago to the Netherlands. They are compared with amatched sample of 292 older people of Dutch origin. The psychometric properties of the loneliness scale are satisfying, although there is some differential item functioning. Older migrants have more frequent social contacts, but are at adisadvantage in other domains. Taking into account differences in social participation, satisfaction with their income, mastery and depressive symptoms, the difference between older migrants' and non-migrants' loneliness is reduced to more than half. Being an older migrant and belonging to aminority might further contribute to feelings of loneliness. Interventions should not be directed at stimulating social contact, but rather, for example, at enhancing the appreciation of their social status and at avoiding negative interpretations of the situation.

Examining the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and social participation among Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to examine differences in social participation among Veterans with spinal cord injuries/disorders with and without post-traumatic stress disorder, and determine if lower social participation was independently associated with having post-traumatic stress disorder.Methods: A cross-sectional mailed national survey was sent to a national sample of Veterans with spinal cord injuries/disorders who received prior-year Veterans Affairs healthcare. Surveys provided data on: demographics, health conditions, injury characteristics, and social participation. Analyses included bivariate comparisons, and multivariate logistic regression to determine if lower social participation was independently associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.Results: Veterans with (vs. without) post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 896) reported lower social participation (40.2 vs. 43.9, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses showed that longer duration of injury (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–1.00, p = 0.04) and white race (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.38–1.01, p = 0.05) were associated with lower odds of post-traumatic stress disorder, while a greater number of health conditions (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.25–1.64, p < 0.0001) was associated with greater odds. When controlling for covariates, lower social participation was independently associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.98, p = 0.003).Conclusions: Results indicate post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with lower social participation in Veterans with spinal cord injuries/disorders, independent of other factors that may impact participation. Efforts to screen for and treat post-traumatic stress disorder among persons with spinal cord injuries/disorders, regardless of injury-specific factors, are needed to improve participation.Implications for RehabilitationIndividuals with spinal cord injuries/disorders often have post-traumatic stress disorder; in Veterans with spinal cord injuries/disorders this may be compounded by trauma incurred through military experiences.Social participation, an important aspect of rehabilitation and community integration following spinal cord injury or disorder, may be hindered by symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.Our data show that post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with lower social participation in Veterans with spinal cord injuries/disorders, independent of other factors that may impact participation.These results indicate that efforts to screen for and treat post-traumatic stress disorder among persons with spinal cord injuries/disorders, regardless of injury-specific factors, are needed to improve participation in this patient population.

Social dimensions of inclusion in education of 4th and 7th grade pupils in inclusive and regular classes: Outcomes from Austria

Positive peer relationships play a significant role in the development of students. They are beneficial for learning and psychological outcomes. This article draws upon an important distinction between the four main themes of social participation (friendships, interactions, peer acceptance and self-perception of social participation) and examines these aspects in inclusive and regular classes. Especially, differences in social participation of students with and without special educational needs (SEN) in inclusive classes and between students without SEN in inclusive and regular classes are examined. In this study, data from 1115 pupils in primary and secondary schools in Austria were analysed, of which 129 were diagnosed as having SEN. The results showed that in inclusive classes, students with SEN had lower scores on all four subthemes of social participation (friendships, interactions, peer acceptance and self-perception of social integration) than students without SEN. Regarding students without SEN, friendships and peer acceptance were significantly higher in inclusive classes than in regular classes. Differences were neither found for gender, nor between primary and secondary school students.

Differences in social participation between individuals who do and do not attend brain injury drop-in centres: A preliminary study

Objective: To compare social participation for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) ≥1 year post-injury who attend brain injury drop-in centres (BIDCs) with individuals who do not attend but were identified as potentially benefitting from attending.Research design: Cross-sectional study with 23 individuals attending BIDCs and a comparison group of 19 individuals not attending.Key outcome measures: Community Integration Questionnaire, Social Provisions Scale and Adult Subjective Assessment of Participation.Main results: The comparison group was found to consist of 12 participants who stated that they would attend a BIDC (‘Yes sub-group’) and seven participants who stated that maybe they would attend a BIDC but for the most part were too busy (‘Maybe sub-group’). The BIDC group was found to have statistically significantly higher levels of social participation than the comparison group and particularly the ‘Yes sub-group’.Conclusions: Findings provide support that attendance at BIDCs may benefit social participation. Future directions for research are suggested.