Social Functioning Research Articles

PICTORIAL MAPS AND THE RISE OF MODERN RESORT IN ŌISO IN THE MID-MEIJI PERIOD

This study explores three pictorial maps produced in the mid-Meiji period (1868–1912) featuring Ōiso and the relationship between these maps and the rise of Ōiso as a modern resort. Ōiso was a town located on the highway Tōkaidō connecting Edo (or Tokyo after 1868) and Kyoto. It became a modern seaside resort after the late 1880s. Previous studies on visual and cartographic representations of towns and cities in Japan, for example, Kindai nihon no shikakuteki keiken [Visual experiences of modern Japan] (Nakanishi and Sekido 2008), have already narrowed the analytical focus and shifted away from the metropolises to provincial cities and hot spring towns. However, some questions, such as the social functions of these materials, remain unexplored. This study analyzes three maps and argues that these maps highlight Ōiso as an attractive place, particularly by featuring its villa residents from the high society. Visually, they resemble the conventional meisho zue [pictures of famous places] developed in the Edo period (1603-1867) and share with other city/town maps produced in the Meiji period in showing preferences for bird’s-eye views and emphasizing symbols of modernity such as railroads and electricity. The depiction of villa clusters is a remarkable feature of the three maps. However, rather than encouraging actual visits to the villas, the mapmakers – the local shop owners and administrators – achieved in producing these maps as souvenirs and creating a public desire for the lifestyle of high society.

Research on the Social Safety Valve Function of the Stigma towards Studying Abroad

There is no lack of research on stigma and international students in China, but little research has been done on the stigma experienced by Chinese Students Studying Abroad for a Master's Degree. Through semi-structured interviews with domestic groups and overseas masters, the study explores the sources and functions of stigma in the context of the social safety valve. The study found that the stigma of masters studying abroad is homogenized by the domestic community due to the fermentation of the "craze for studying abroad" and the "return to China" wave. Through the stigma, the domestic community has resolved their dissatisfaction and anxiety, and master's degree holders have achieved the positive function of the social safety valve by reducing the high expectations they have to bear.

Research on the Social Safety Valve Function of the Stigma towards Studying Abroad

There is no lack of research on stigma and international students in China, but little research has been done on the stigma experienced by Chinese Students Studying Abroad for a Master's Degree. Through semi-structured interviews with domestic groups and overseas masters, the study explores the sources and functions of stigma in the context of the social safety valve. The study found that the stigma of masters studying abroad is homogenized by the domestic community due to the fermentation of the "craze for studying abroad" and the "return to China" wave. Through the stigma, the domestic community has resolved their dissatisfaction and anxiety, and master's degree holders have achieved the positive function of the social safety valve by reducing the high expectations they have to bear.

Religious Guidance Strategy for Children in Conflict with the Law at the Antasena Rehabilitation Center, Magelang

Adolescence is a vital age period where difficulties can be encountered in life. Having an unstable psychological state can lead to the disruption of social functioning. Problems can occur during the learning and playing process, yet can also become extreme as far as committing crimes. The teenagers who commit crimes can be triggered due to a lack of understanding of their religion. The Antasena Rehabilitation Center provides social rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law, including religious guidance. To what extent do religious instructors provide guidance on faith, morals, and worship for ABHs who are naughty? This research uses descriptive qualitative research at the Antasena Rehabilitation Center and highlights the religious guidance used by religious instructors and the obstacles they face. The results of this study are expected to contribute to selecting the appropriate guidance strategies in the field of aqidah morals and worship for children who conflict with the law at the Antasena Rehabilitation Center in Magelang.

The impact of detention on the health of asylum seekers: An updated systematic review: A systematic review.

The number of people fleeing persecution and regional conflicts is rising. Western countries have applied increasingly stringent measures to discourage those seeking asylum from entering their country, amongst them, to confine asylum seekers in detention facilities. Clinicians have expressed concerns over the mental health impact of detention on asylum seekers, a population already burdened with trauma, advocating against such practices. The main objective of this review is to assess evidence about the effects of detention on the mental and physical health and social functioning of asylum seekers. Relevant literature was identified through electronic searches of bibliographic databases, internet search engines, hand searching of core journals and citation tracking of included studies and relevant reviews. Searches were performed up to November 2023. Studies comparing detained asylum-seekers with non-detained asylum seekers were included. Qualitative approaches were excluded. Of 22,226 potential studies, 14 met the inclusion criteria. These studies, from 4 countries, involving a total of 13 asylum-seeker populations. Six studies were used in the data synthesis, all of which reported only mental health outcomes. Eight studies had a critical risk of bias. Meta-analyses, inverse variance weighted using random effects statistical models, were conducted on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. A total of 27,797 asylum seekers were analysed. Four studies provided data while the detained asylum seekers were still detained, and two studies after release. All outcomes are reported such that a positive effect size favours better outcomes for the non-detained asylum seekers. The weighted average SMD while detained is 0.45 [95% CI 0.19, 0.71] for PTSD and after release 0.91 [95% CI 0.24, 1.57]; for anxiety 0.42 [95% CI 0.18, 0.66] and for depression 0.68 [95% CI 0.10, 1.26] both while detained. Based on single-study data, the SMD was 0.60 [95% CI 0.02, 1.17] for depression and 0.76 [95% CI 0.17, 1.34] for anxiety, both after release. Three studies (one study each) reported outcomes related to psychological distress, self-harm and social well being. Psychological distress favoured the detained but was not significant; whereas both effect sizes on self-harm and social wellbeing indicated highly negative impacts of detention; in particular, the impact on self-harm was extremely high. The OR of self-harm was reported separately for asylum seekers detained in three types of detention: Manus Island, Nauru and onshore detention. The ORs were in the range 12.18 to 74.44; all were significant. Despite similar post-migration adversities amongst comparison groups, findings suggest an independent adverse impact of detention on asylum seekers' mental health, with the magnitude of the effect sizes lying in an important clinical range. These effects persisted beyond release into the community. While based on limited evidence, this review supports concerns regarding the detrimental impact of detention on the mental health of already traumatised asylum seekers. Further research is warranted to comprehensively explore these effects. Detention of asylum seekers, already grappling with significant trauma, appears to exacerbate mental health challenges. Policymakers and practitioners should consider these findings in shaping immigration and asylum policies, with a focus on minimising harm to vulnerable populations.

Social Functions of Food and Food Rituals during the Merovingian Period (from Venantius Fortunatus’s Writings about St. Radegund)

This article explores the role and functions of food and food rituals in the Frankish Merovingian kingdom during the second half of the 6th century based on the writings of Venantius Fortunatus, a renowned poet of that period, dedicated to the Merovingian queen and nun St. Radegund of Poitiers. His vita of St. Radegund and poems about her include numerous references to food and ceremonies associated with it. The obtained results show that shared meals, dietary restrictions, treats, gifts, and food distribution were the key aspects of social interactions in Merovingian Gaul. They not only strengthened the bonds between the church and the laity but also contributed to the formation of new ties between the religious and political domains. St. Radegund’s generosity and asceticism heightened her authority. Food rituals became part of the patronage system’s daily practices, thereby adapting it to the needs of the emerging medieval Christian society. It is also important that sharing meals and exchanging gifts, often food, fostered trust and promoted friendship among people.

The impact of detention on the health of asylum seekers: An updated systematic review: A systematic review.

The number of people fleeing persecution and regional conflicts is rising. Western countries have applied increasingly stringent measures to discourage those seeking asylum from entering their country, amongst them, to confine asylum seekers in detention facilities. Clinicians have expressed concerns over the mental health impact of detention on asylum seekers, a population already burdened with trauma, advocating against such practices. The main objective of this review is to assess evidence about the effects of detention on the mental and physical health and social functioning of asylum seekers. Relevant literature was identified through electronic searches of bibliographic databases, internet search engines, hand searching of core journals and citation tracking of included studies and relevant reviews. Searches were performed up to November 2023. Studies comparing detained asylum-seekers with non-detained asylum seekers were included. Qualitative approaches were excluded. Of 22,226 potential studies, 14 met the inclusion criteria. These studies, from 4 countries, involving a total of 13 asylum-seeker populations. Six studies were used in the data synthesis, all of which reported only mental health outcomes. Eight studies had a critical risk of bias. Meta-analyses, inverse variance weighted using random effects statistical models, were conducted on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. A total of 27,797 asylum seekers were analysed. Four studies provided data while the detained asylum seekers were still detained, and two studies after release. All outcomes are reported such that a positive effect size favours better outcomes for the non-detained asylum seekers. The weighted average SMD while detained is 0.45 [95% CI 0.19, 0.71] for PTSD and after release 0.91 [95% CI 0.24, 1.57]; for anxiety 0.42 [95% CI 0.18, 0.66] and for depression 0.68 [95% CI 0.10, 1.26] both while detained. Based on single-study data, the SMD was 0.60 [95% CI 0.02, 1.17] for depression and 0.76 [95% CI 0.17, 1.34] for anxiety, both after release. Three studies (one study each) reported outcomes related to psychological distress, self-harm and social well being. Psychological distress favoured the detained but was not significant; whereas both effect sizes on self-harm and social wellbeing indicated highly negative impacts of detention; in particular, the impact on self-harm was extremely high. The OR of self-harm was reported separately for asylum seekers detained in three types of detention: Manus Island, Nauru and onshore detention. The ORs were in the range 12.18 to 74.44; all were significant. Despite similar post-migration adversities amongst comparison groups, findings suggest an independent adverse impact of detention on asylum seekers' mental health, with the magnitude of the effect sizes lying in an important clinical range. These effects persisted beyond release into the community. While based on limited evidence, this review supports concerns regarding the detrimental impact of detention on the mental health of already traumatised asylum seekers. Further research is warranted to comprehensively explore these effects. Detention of asylum seekers, already grappling with significant trauma, appears to exacerbate mental health challenges. Policymakers and practitioners should consider these findings in shaping immigration and asylum policies, with a focus on minimising harm to vulnerable populations.

Preschoolers’ moral judgment and punishment attribution: Longitudinal links to theory of mind and emotion understanding

AbstractUnderstanding what others think and feel, an essential ingredient of social functioning, develops early on, allowing children to understand and evaluate other people's actions. To assess whether those actions break or uphold moral rules (moral judgments), children must consider the agent's intentions and whether the action harms or helps others. The present study investigated longitudinally the changes and interrelations between cognitive and affective perspective‐taking and moral evaluations in 3‐ to 5‐year‐old preschoolers (N = 92, 43 girls). We assessed children's first‐order theory of mind and their ability to understand other people's emotions. Next, we presented them with two moral stories which measured how children evaluated the “good” or “bad” nature of the character's intention, and whether the character deserved to be punished. Controlling for inhibitory control—which is thought to help individuals integrate information about intention—and for time across development, our main findings showed that moral judgment was positively associated with theory of mind and that both moral judgment and punishment were positively associated with the ability to understand other people's emotions. There were developmental effects for each of the measured variables, improvements being visible 15 months later, especially in the case of the theory of mind and punishment attributions. We discuss our findings in light of recent models of moral judgment regarding the processes involved in children's moral judgments and put forward future methodological directions.

A Transdiagnostic, Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology Following Traumatic Brain Injury (HiTOP-TBI).

Psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, is a significant yet inadequately addressed feature of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Progress in understanding and treating post-TBI psychopathology may be hindered by limitations associated with conventional diagnostic approaches, specifically the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) offers a promising, transdiagnostic alternative to psychiatric classification that may more effectively capture the experiences of individuals with TBI. However, HiTOP lacks validation in the TBI population. To address this gap, we administered a comprehensive questionnaire battery, including 56 scales assessing homogeneous symptom components and maladaptive traits within HiTOP, to 410 individuals with moderate-severe TBI. We evaluated the reliability and unidimensionality of each scale and revised those with psychometric problems. Using a top-down, exploratory latent variable approach (bass-ackwards modeling), we subsequently constructed a hierarchical model of psychopathological dimensions tailored to TBI. The results showed that, relative to norms, participants with moderate-severe TBI experienced greater problems in the established HiTOP internalizing and detachment spectra, but fewer problems with thought disorder and antagonism. Fourteen of the 56 scales demonstrated psychometric problems, which often appeared reflective of the TBI experience and associated disability. The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology Following Traumatic Brain Injury (HiTOP-TBI) model encompassed broad internalizing and externalizing spectra, splitting into seven narrower dimensions: Detachment, Dysregulated Negative Emotionality, Somatic Symptoms, Compensatory and Phobic Reactions, Self-Harm and Psychoticism, Rigid Constraint, and Harmful Substance Use. This study presents the most comprehensive empirical classification of psychopathology after TBI to date. It introduces a novel, TBI-specific transdiagnostic questionnaire battery and model, which addresses the limitations of conventional DSM and ICD diagnoses. The empirical structure of psychopathology after TBI largely aligned with the established HiTOP model (e.g., a detachment spectrum). However, these constructs need to be interpreted in relation to the unique experiences associated with TBI (e.g., considering the injury's impact on the person's social functioning). By overcoming limitations of conventional diagnostic approaches, the HiTOP-TBI model has the potential to accelerate our understanding of the causes, correlates, consequences, and treatment of psychopathology after TBI.

Generating utilities for the CS-Base: a novel, generic, and patient-centered health-outcome measure

ObjectivesWe have developed a new patient-centered, preference-based generic health-outcome measure, CS-Base, which is based on a novel multi-attribute preference response (MAPR) measurement framework. This study aimed to generate a first utility set for the CS-Base, making it suitable for use in health-economic evaluations. MethodsCS-Base comprises 12 health attributes: mobility, vision, hearing, cognition, mood, anxiety, pain, fatigue, social functioning, daily activities, self-esteem, and independence, each with four levels. Our methodology to generate utilities for the CS-Base was twofold. First, we derived coefficients from patient MAPR data to calculate CS-Base values. Subsequently, these were normalized to a 0.0–1.0 utility scale, where 0.0 signifies “dead”. The “dead” position was estimated using general population data from a discrete choice experiment (DCE+Dead), using a “division value” strategy which localize the position of states better or worse than dead. ResultsWe analyzed MAPR data from 3,222 patients and DCE+Dead data from 1,995 respondents. All MAPR coefficients were negative, logically ordered, and significantly different from the reference level. The “dead” position was denoted by a division value of -148.385. Utility values spanned from -0.071 to 1.0, and only 53 of 16,777,216 states were deemed worse than dead. ConclusionThis study introduced the first CS-Base utility set, underlining a two-step utility derivation method. This method, blending societal and patient views, surpasses traditional preference-based approaches, yielding firmer results. However, improvement of the normalization procedure is expected. Estimating CS-Base utilities is an ongoing process that gains precision over time.

Three Pillars of Support for Orphan Drug Programs: Individual Valuations, Societal Valuations, and Anonymous Altruism

To identify and describe potential societal and individual sources of support for orphan drug programs. The generalized risk-adjusted cost-effectiveness (GRACE) method shows that acute illness and disability severity increase individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) for health gains. We develop a social welfare function (SWF) that incorporates individuals' own values, combined with politically- or ethically determined weights. We introduce the concept of horizontal equity-that individuals in similar situations should be treated similarly-into the SWF. Finally, we introduce anonymous altruism into individuals' utility functions-the desire to help others, without knowing their identity. Combined with the empirical link between disease severity and rarity, GRACE demonstrates heightened WTP for health gains, leading rational individuals to support orphan drug programs, our first pillar of support. Adding horizontal equity to the SWF further increases societal support for orphan drug programs. Anonymous altruism, focusing most strongly on those in the most-dire circumstances, leads to altruistic support for those with severe disorders. Because innovators' economic incentives lead them to focus on larger markets, anonymous altruistic individuals to specifically support orphan drug programs. The presence of free-rider problems translates this into public program support. We identify supporting three pillars for orphan drug programs: (1) individuals' desire for treatments to treat rare disease that are often severe and life-threatening; (2) the concept of horizontal equity in our SWF: (3) anonymous altruism, the desire to people, even when unknown, in dire circumstances.

Effect of Reality Oriented Training Combined with Group Diversified Art Therapy on Social Function of Chronic Schizophrenia

Objective: To explore the effect of reality oriented training combined with Group diversified art therapy on social function of patients with chronic schizophrenia. Methods: 60 patients with chronic schizophrenia who were hospitalized for a long time in our hospital were selected for the implementation of reality oriented training combined with Group diversified art therapy. The activities of daily living, social function and rehabilitation scores of patients before and after the implementation were compared. Results: after intervention, ADL score, SDSS score and IPROS score were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Conclusion: the implementation of reality oriented training combined with Group diversified art therapy for patients with chronic schizophrenia can improve the daily living ability and social function of patients, and promote the better recovery of patients.

Patient-reported outcomes in neuro-oncology.

To provide up-to-date evidence on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in neuro-oncology, with a focus on the core constructs of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the use of PROs in clinical trials and clinical practice.[Supplemental Digital Content: Video Abstract PROs in Neuro-Oncology.mov]. PROs are gaining importance in brain tumor research and medical care. For patients with a brain tumor, core PRO constructs are pain, difficulty communicating, perceived cognition, seizures, symptomatic adverse events, physical functioning and role and social functioning, which are assessed through patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Initiatives have been taken to improve the reliability and robustness of PRO data, including standardization of items included in clinical trial protocols (the SPIRIT-PRO extension) and formulation of PRO priority objectives for use in clinical trials (the SISAQOL-Innovative Medicines Initiative). In brain tumor patients with cognitive impairment, caregiver-reported outcomes may complement or replace PROs to increase accuracy. The next key challenge will be to widely implement PROs and apply PRO data in clinical practice to benefit patients with brain tumors. PROs are clinically relevant endpoints providing information only known by the patient. Standardization of the use of PROs in clinical trials and wide implementation in clinical practice is needed to improve HRQoL of brain tumor patients.

Effect of Reality Oriented Training Combined with Group Diversified Art Therapy on Social Function of Chronic Schizophrenia

Objective: To explore the effect of reality oriented training combined with Group diversified art therapy on social function of patients with chronic schizophrenia. Methods: 60 patients with chronic schizophrenia who were hospitalized for a long time in our hospital were selected for the implementation of reality oriented training combined with Group diversified art therapy. The activities of daily living, social function and rehabilitation scores of patients before and after the implementation were compared. Results: after intervention, ADL score, SDSS score and IPROS score were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Conclusion: the implementation of reality oriented training combined with Group diversified art therapy for patients with chronic schizophrenia can improve the daily living ability and social function of patients, and promote the better recovery of patients.

Patient-reported outcomes in neuro-oncology.

To provide up-to-date evidence on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in neuro-oncology, with a focus on the core constructs of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the use of PROs in clinical trials and clinical practice.[Supplemental Digital Content: Video Abstract PROs in Neuro-Oncology.mov]. PROs are gaining importance in brain tumor research and medical care. For patients with a brain tumor, core PRO constructs are pain, difficulty communicating, perceived cognition, seizures, symptomatic adverse events, physical functioning and role and social functioning, which are assessed through patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Initiatives have been taken to improve the reliability and robustness of PRO data, including standardization of items included in clinical trial protocols (the SPIRIT-PRO extension) and formulation of PRO priority objectives for use in clinical trials (the SISAQOL-Innovative Medicines Initiative). In brain tumor patients with cognitive impairment, caregiver-reported outcomes may complement or replace PROs to increase accuracy. The next key challenge will be to widely implement PROs and apply PRO data in clinical practice to benefit patients with brain tumors. PROs are clinically relevant endpoints providing information only known by the patient. Standardization of the use of PROs in clinical trials and wide implementation in clinical practice is needed to improve HRQoL of brain tumor patients.

Linking social reward responsiveness and affective responses to the social environment: An ecological momentary assessment study.

Social support is a key predictor of well-being, but not everyone experiences mental health benefits from receiving it. However, given that a growing number of interventions are based on social support, it is crucial to identify the features that make individuals more likely to benefit from social ties. Emerging evidence suggests that neural responses to positive social feedback (i.e., social reward) might relate to individual differences in social functioning, but potential mechanisms linking these neural responses to psychological outcomes are yet unclear. This study examined whether neural correlates of social reward processing, indexed by the reward positivity (RewP), relate to individuals' affective experience following self-reported real-world positive social support events. To this aim, 193 university students (71% females) underwent an EEG assessment during the Island Getaway task and completed a 10-day ecological momentary assessment where participants reported their positive and negative affects (PA, NA) nine times a day and the count of daily positive and negative events. Experiencing a higher number of social support positive events was associated with higher PA. The RewP moderated this association, such that individuals with greater neural response to social feedback at baseline had a stronger positive association between social support positive events count and PA. Individual differences in the RewP to social feedback might be one indicator of the likelihood of experiencing positive affect when receiving social support.

The Effects of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy on Quality of Life: The Importance of Research on Youth.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) plays a significant role in the medical care of transgender individuals, helping to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. While numerous studies have investigated the impact of GAHT on adults, research focusing on its effects on the quality of life (QoL) of transgender youth is limited. In this opinion paper, we aim to address selected challenges associated with gender-affirming medical care, such as (1) the necessity for evidence-based youth gender-affirming medical care, (2) the urge to explore different approaches to gender-affirming medical care diversely in transgender youth research, and (3) understanding the challenges of the detransition process (which refers to stopping or reversing gender-affirming medical or surgical treatments), as well as suggest possible solutions for meaningful progress. Notably, the available evidence underlines a positive impact of GAHT on various aspects of QoL of transgender youth, such as mental health and social functioning, by alleviating gender dysphoria, improving body satisfaction, and facilitating appearance congruence (the degree to which an individual's physical appearance represents their gender identity). However, challenges related to methodological limitations, as well as ethical considerations, and several sociocultural factors highlight the need for further research to better understand the long-term effects of GAHT on the QoL of transgender youth. Ethical considerations, such as ensuring informed consent and weighing potential benefits against risks, are pivotal in guiding healthcare decisions. Additionally, navigating these ethical responsibilities amid sociocultural contexts is crucial for providing inclusive and respectful care to transgender youth. Addressing these research gaps is, therefore, crucial to developing successful healthcare programmes, raising awareness, and promoting the holistic well-being of transgender youth through comprehensive and affirming care.

Does social capital matter in underwriter's fees?

This study examines the influence of bond issuer's social capital on underwriting fees. Investors rely on accurate information to evaluate bond quality, while underwriters assume inventory risk stemming from uncertain investor demand. We posit that social capital enhances the quality of information disclosed by the issuer, consequently impacting the fees underwriters charge for bearing this risk. Utilizing data on new tax-exempt municipal bonds issued from U.S. counties over the period 1990–2017, we find that underwriters charge significantly lower fees for bonds issued from counties with higher social capital. This result remains robust after controlling for issuer and bond characteristics, as well as addressing potential endogeneity concerns. Further investigations show that the observed effect persists only in situations where underwriters bear greater risk, suggesting that social capital functions as a valuable form of certification within the underwriting process.

Intergenerational equity and infinite-population ethics: A survey

This article surveys the recent literature on infinite-horizon intergenerational social welfare and infinite-population ethics, reviewing the negative and positive results about the existence or constructibility of social preference relations and social welfare functions for infinite populations. Impossibility results primarily refer to the tension between Pareto and Anonymity (or inequality aversion). Positive results include characterizations of core social preference relations with which any relation satisfying desirable properties must be compatible, as well as overtaking criteria, asymptotic criteria, averaging criteria, hyperreal criteria, and criteria that focus on the worst-off.

WeChat usage and preservation of cognitive functions in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: indications from a nationally representative survey, 2018–2020

PurposeTo investigate the associations between the most popular social media platform WeChat usage and cognitive performance among the middle-aged and older Chinese population using data from a nationally representative survey.MethodsIn total, 17,472 participants (≥ 45 years old) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, Wave 4, 2018) were analyzed. Cognitive performance including episodic memory and executive function was assessed using Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Other confounding variables included socio-economic characteristics, medical status, and lifestyle-related information. Multiple linear regression models were used to test the association between cognitive performance and WeChat usage by introducing covariates hierarchically. Subgroup analyses of age and gender were conducted to estimate the robustness of the primary findings.ResultsAfter adjusting for multiple confounders across all linear models, WeChat usage is significantly associated with executive function, episodic memory, and global cognitive performance (all p values<0.05). Such results remained robust in subgroup analyses, stratified by age and gender, and also verified according to longitudinal analyses. Compared to ‘Chat-only’ users who only used WeChat for online interpersonal communication, further usage of WeChat functions such as using ‘Moments’ appeared to be significantly associated with better cognitive performance, especially for episodic memory.ConclusionSocial media usage is significantly and positively associated with better cognitive performance among the middle-aged and older Chinese population. Along with point-to-point messaging, using ‘Moments’ and extended social media platform functions may correlate to better cognitive performance.