Various Forms Of Social Support Research Articles

The impact of family systems and social networks on substance use initiation and recovery among women with substance use disorders.

While social networks influence individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), the mechanisms for such influence are under-explored among women who use drugs. This study triangulates the perspectives of criminal justice professionals, SUD treatment professionals, and women with past and current experiences with substance use to explore these dynamics. We conducted semistructured interviews (N = 42) in 2022 with women with current or past opioid use disorder (n = 20), SUD treatment professionals (n = 12), and criminal justice professionals (n = 10) who work with women with opioid use disorder. Interviews centered around participants' backgrounds, perceived barriers and facilitators to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment, and gender-specific issues in MOUD treatment. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and deidentified. We used a four-step qualitative data analysis process to code transcripts. Across these participants' accounts, we identified mechanisms by which women's social networks influenced their opioid use trajectories: intergenerational substance use, family support and strain, intimate partner influence, and peer support and pressure. Overall, the emergent themes in the present study reflect the embedded nature of support within social systems. Women who had access to and engaged with various forms of social support tended to be those who use/used MOUD and self-identified as in recovery. Combining MOUD treatment with psychosocial interventions allows women to heal from trauma, learn effective coping skills, and receive valuable resources to support recovery. Interventions focusing on family resilience and peer recovery support can disrupt the cycle of addiction and promote MOUD treatment success. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The relationship between marital status and cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults: the multiple mediating effects of social support and depression

BackgroundMarital status is a potentially essential factor for cognitive impairment. Relevant research examining the potential pathways through which the marital status of spouseless older people is associated with cognitive impairment needs to be more adequate. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the serial mediating effects of various forms of social support and depression between marital status and cognitive impairment in older Chinese people.MethodsThis study involved a secondary analysis of data from the 2014–2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), with a total of 2,647 Chinese older adults and 53.6% being males. Mediation analysis using the SPSS process macro was conducted.ResultsThe results indicated that marital status was significantly predictive of cognitive impairment among older people, and those with a spouse exhibited higher cognitive functioning. Informal social support and depression were found to play partial mediating roles in the association between marital status and cognitive impairment. The findings also revealed that marital status was unrelated to formal social support, and no association between formal social support and cognitive impairment was found.ConclusionsThe study findings highlight the need for social service providers to design programs for promoting connections associated with informal support to reduce their risk of depression and cognitive impairment and for policymakers to develop effective formal social support systems for older people without spouses. This study indicated that older people could regain the benefits of marriage to lower the risk of depression and improve their mental health.

Peer-Recommended Coping Strategies for Individuals Living With Alopecia Areata

Abstract: Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic immunological disease characterized by hair loss on the scalp and/or body. Medical treatments are frequently ineffective, leaving many individuals with little hope for hair regrowth. Despite high rates of psychological turmoil experienced by people living with AA, little consideration is given to the unique impact of the condition and the potential benefits of coping approaches. Aims: The purpose of this study was to establish a foundation of strategies for coping with AA as recommended by people currently living with the diagnosis. Method: An international sample of 190 participants shared perspectives on types of strategies they believe would be useful for living with AA. A qualitative content analysis approach was used to code and group participant responses. Results: Frequently identified strategies included various forms of social support and strategies for social navigation, perspective-shifting, cosmetic strategies and procedures, and accessing medical and psychological interventions. Limitations: Participants were limited to a largely female convenience sample. The findings were not associated with real-life outcomes, only anecdotal recommendations. Conclusion: The findings of the present study further support prior research yet offer unique perspectives as well.

Enabling Community: A missing link in Establishing End of Life Care continuum

Palliative care including end of life care is marginally available, accessible, and affordable to chronically ill patients in India. When emotional, practical, and informational support are essential for these individuals, it is imperative to identify and implement effective public health intervention to address inequity linked to End of Life. Various forms of social support have proved to be beneficial for patients dealing with such conditions. Establishing community networks towards providing end of life care is the need of everyone. Proactively building care networks in families, neighborhoods, or workplaces is essential for continuum of care in providing end of life care.

Social Media Usage as a Form of Breastfeeding Support Among Black Mothers: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Social support has been identified in the literature as a key facilitator of breastfeeding success among Black mothers. Over the past decade, there has been a surge of social media groups that can now be used as a means of support for various health and social issues. Social media breastfeeding groups have been used as sources of additional support. A scoping review of the literature was conducted to explore social media usage as a form of social support among Black women in the postpartum period and how it may affect breastfeeding behaviors. Using the 5-stage scoping review methodology, scholarly databases were searched for relevant articles. English-language articles on studies conducted both in and outside of the United States were included. Original studies that focused on social media as a form of breastfeeding support and included Black mothers as part of the study population were included. After screening 551 articles, 6 studies fulfilled the study criteria. Participants reported being provided with various forms of social support through social media within the included articles. Primary themes included (1) a sense of community and (2) self-efficacy and empowerment. Breastfeeding support through social media appears to positively influence breastfeeding intention and duration rates among Black mothers. Social media is an accessible avenue for breastfeeding information and support. Moreover, it provides a safe space for Black women to interact with others of shared cultural experiences. Therefore, incorporating social media into breastfeeding interventions can positively affect breastfeeding rates among Black women. More research is needed to assess the direct effect of social media breastfeeding support groups on the breastfeeding behaviors and experiences of Black women.

Matched and moving: exploring daily social support among women partnered for exercise after a breast cancer diagnosis

Exercise and social support are non-pharmacological strategies that improve health and wellbeing in women treated for breast cancer (WTBC). However, strategies to facilitate support and exercise in WTBC are typically resource intensive. The purpose of this study was to examine whether various forms of social support received from a matched peer were associated with increased exercise among WTBC. A daily diary study was conducted to examine naturally occurring social support as it relates to daily exercise behavior. Forty-six WTBC were matched (23 pairs) and completed pre-screening survey assessing eligibility and baseline levels of exercise. Participants were given Fitbit devices to track physical activity behavior and completed daily surveys across 3 weeks assessing perceptions of exercise-related social support at fixed times at the end of each day. Mixed models accounting for day of study, baseline support, and baseline exercise levels revealed that higher levels of daily exercise-related tangible social support were associated with more daily steps (b = 506, SE = 143) and more light physical activity (LPA) minutes (b = 7.01, SE = 3.15). Informational social support was associated with higher moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes (b = 3.18, SE = 1.60). Overall, peer matching programs aimed at increasing exercise-related social support among WTBC might encourage exercise behaviors, especially among women who share exercise-specific information (e.g., benefits, type, activities).

Impact of Social Support on Depressive Symptoms among Postgraduates during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread worldwide, and its related stressors are causing a high prevalence of mental health problems among graduate students. This has the potential for long-term effects on their mental well-being. However, few large-scale studies have been conducted on multiple risk and protective factors. Therefore, we aimed to test the impact of social support on depressive symptoms among graduate students and analyze the mediating role of positive coping and the regulatory role of neuroticism. From 1-8 October 2021, 1812 Chinese graduate students were surveyed online. We used a structural equation model to study the mediating role of positive coping in the relationship between social support and depressive symptoms and used the Hayes PROCESS macro to conduct mediating analysis. The incidence of depressive symptoms was 10.40%. These results showed that positive coping influenced the social support's influence on depression symptoms to some extent. Moreover, neuroticism regulates the indirect relationship between social support and depressive symptoms through active coping. Further research is needed to assess the impact of various forms of social support on graduate students' mental health and to develop strategies for maintaining their well-being, such as network mindfulness.

Association of Social Support with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Among Older Women: The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study.

Social support may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment. However, few long-term, large prospective studies have examined associations of various forms of social support with incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. To examine associations of perceived social support with incident MCI and dementia among community-dwelling older women. This prospective cohort study included 6,670 women from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study who were cognitively unimpaired at enrollment. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess associations between perceived social support with incident MCI, dementia, or either MCI/dementia during an average 10.7 (SD = 6.1)-year follow-up. Modelling was repeated for emotional/information support, affection support, tangible support, and positive social interaction subscales of social support. Among 6,670 women (average age = 70 years [SD = 3.8]; 97.0% non-Hispanic/Latina; 89.8% White), greater perceived social support was associated with lower risk of MCI/dementia after adjustment for age, ethnicity, race, hormone therapy, education, income, diabetes, hypertension, and body mass index (Tertile [T]3 versus T1: HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.74-0.99; ptrend = 0.08). Associations were significant for emotional/information support (T3 versus T1: HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.97; ptrend = 0.04) and positive social interaction (T3 versus T1: HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.99; ptrend = 0.06) subscales. Associations were attenuated and not significant after adjustment for depressive symptom severity. Perceived social support, emotional/information support, and positive social interaction were associated with incident MCI/dementia among older women. Results were not significant after adjustment for depressive symptom severity. Improving social support may reduce risk of MCI and dementia in older women.

Exploring the Role of Social Support in Mitigating Domestic Violence in Old-Age Marriages in Nigeria

Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in Nigeria, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. However, research has shown that older adults may be particularly vulnerable to abuse, as they are often socially isolated and dependent on their partners for care and support. In this context, social support has been identified as a potential protective factor against domestic violence. This paper explores the role of social support in mitigating domestic violence in old age marriages in Nigeria. Drawing on a review of existing literature, the paper examines the various forms of social support that are available to older adults, including emotional, instrumental, and informational support. It also considers the ways in which social support can be mobilized to prevent and respond to domestic violence, such as through community-based interventions and support groups for survivors. The paper highlights several key findings. First, it notes that social support is a critical resource for older adults in preventing and coping with domestic violence. Second, it emphasizes the need for more research on the specific types of social support that are most effective in preventing and mitigating abuse in old age marriages. Third, it highlights the importance of community-based interventions that prioritize social support and address the unique needs of older adults. Overall, this paper underscores the critical role that social support can play in mitigating domestic violence in old age marriages in Nigeria. It suggests that greater attention should be paid to developing and implementing interventions that promote social support and address the unique needs of older adults in the context of domestic violence.

Association of social support with mild cognitive impairment and dementia among older women: the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study

AbstractBackgroundWomen comprise approximately two‐thirds of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. Social support may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment. However, few long‐term, large prospective studies have examined associations of various forms of social support with cognitive impairment. Therefore, we examined the association of perceived social support with incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia among older women.MethodThis prospective cohort study included 6,670 older women from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Memory Study (WHIMS), a sub‐cohort of the WHI hormone therapy (HT) trials, who were free of dementia upon enrollment. Perceived social support was assessed at baseline using nine items from the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. All item ratings were summed to generate a summary score (range = 9‐45), with higher scores indicating greater perceived social support. Incident MCI and dementia were ascertained using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and central adjudication by a panel of specialists with expertise in dementia diagnosis during up to 25 years of follow‐up. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess associations of perceived social support with incident MCI, dementia, and overall cognitive impairment (MCI or dementia). We also examined associations of four types of social support (emotional/informational, affection, tangible, and positive social interaction) with MCI/dementia.ResultOverall, (mean age at baseline = 70.0 [SD 3.8] years; 97.0% non‐Hispanic/Latina; 89.8% White) 753 women had incident MCI, 697 had incident dementia, and 1,197 had incident overall cognitive impairment. There were no significant associations of social support with MCI (HR = 0.99; 95%CI = 0.98‐1.00), dementia (HR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.98‐1.01), or overall cognitive impairment (HR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.98‐1.00) after adjusting for age, education, income, race, ethnicity, marital status, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, history of diabetes, hormone therapy trial assignment, history of hormone therapy use, history of hypertension, and depressive symptom severity. There were no significant associations between the four types of social support and MCI/dementia.ConclusionPerceived social support was not significantly associated with incident cognitive impairment among older women. Future studies should explore other social factors, such as social isolation and loneliness, particularly in larger and racially/ethnically diverse populations.

Stress, social support, and racial differences: Dominant drivers of exclusive breastfeeding.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for 6months; however, many childbearing people wean their infants before 6months. Psychosocial factors such as stress, social supportand race are significant determinants of breastfeeding; however, few studies have longitudinally explored the effect of perceived stress and various forms of social support on exclusive breastfeeding. We used quantitative methodologies to examine exclusive breastfeeding, perceived stressand social support among 251 participants from the Postpartum Mothers Mobile Study. Participants between 18 and 44 years were recruited during pregnancy (irrespective of parity) and completed surveys in real-time via Ecological Momentary Assessment up to 12 months postpartum from December 2017 to August 2021. We measured perceived stress with the adapted Perceived Stress Scale and perceived social support with the Multi-dimensional Social Support Scale. Received social support was measured using a single question on breastfeeding support. We conducted a mixed-effects logistic regression to determine the effect of stress, raceand social support on exclusive breastfeeding over 6months. We examined the moderation effect of perceived social support and breastfeeding support in the relationship between perceived stress and exclusive breastfeeding. Black, compared withWhite, participantswere less likely to breastfeed exclusively for 6months. Participants who reported higher perceived stress were less likely to breastfeed exclusively for 6months. Perceived social support moderated the relationship between perceived stress and exclusive breastfeeding (odds ratio:0.01,95%confidence interval: 0.001-0.072). However, breastfeeding support directly increased the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding over 6months. Perceived stress is negatively associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Birthing people who intend to breastfeed may benefit from perinatal support programs that include components to buffer stress.

A Study to Analyses the Effect of Alterations in Social Ties Among Older Persons Regarding Their Physical Functioning

It's common to associate an ageing population with negative ideas like the need for additional medical care. This is especially true of the very elderly. However, the ramifications are more extensive and have an impact on family care in the future as well as concerns with intergenerational interactions, jobs, housing arrangements, and mind-sets. The purpose of this study is to determine if various forms of social support and attachments can lessen the detrimental impacts of changes to physical functioning. Analyses of logistic regression with adjustments for baseline functioning, age, gender, and change frequency were performed on data from two cycles of the Longitudinal Aging Study to determine the impact of various social relationships for subgroups with various numbers of chronic diseases. The presence of various social ties was indicated by the number of daughters, boys, and other family members as well as non-family relationships, partner status, and other demographic data. In terms of social support, loneliness was experienced as well as practical and emotional help. On a 6-item self-report measure, a significant change after 3 years indicated a decline in physical functioning. Therefore, the presence of a spouse protected against a decline in physical functioning in people with no baseline alterations. In older adults who were disease-free, total network size had a negative impact, but in those who had illnesses, it had a favourable impact, mostly because of the positive effects of the number of daughters and non-kin relationships. Consequently, the findings show that older people's physical functioning declines, with or without any changes, depending on the sorts of social ties they have and the assistance they offer.

대학생의 셀프리더십이 회복탄력성에 미치는 영향에서 사회적지지의 매개효과

Objectives This study examines the structural relationship between self-leadership, social support, and resilience of college students in the Covid-19 situation and aims to verify the mediation effect of social support on the effect of self-leadership on resilience. Methods For this study, online survey data collected from male and female college students at K University in Seoul were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and reliability verification were conducted to confirm the normality between the measured variables and the validity and reliability of the measurement tool. Correlation analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to confirm multicollinearity and to verify the validity of the structural equation model. Finally, bootstrapping and stepwise regression analysis were analyzed to test mediating effects. Results First, self-leadership’s does not have a significant effect on resilience, whereas cognitive strategy does. Second, action strategy and cognitive strategy of college students has a significant effect on the perception of social support. Third, college students' perception of social support has a significant effect on resilience. Fourth, social support has a mediating effect on the effect of self-leadership’s action strategy on resilience. Fifth, social support has a mediating effect on the effect of self-leadership's cognitive strategy on resilience except instrumental support. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that it is necessary to provide effective self-leadership programs and various forms of social support to enhance resilience by displaying self-leadership of college students who are having difficulties in school life in a pandemic situation.

Rizikové faktory pre vznik posttraumatickej stresovej poruchy po pôrode: prehľadový článok

Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Review Article Objectives. The aim of this article is to describe objective obstetric and population factors for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth, the ways in which they interact with subjective factors, in order to identify those women who are at an increased risk of developing PTSD symptoms after delivery.Methods. The Web of Science database was used to search the literature. The keywords “posttraumatic stress disorder”, “PTSD”, “childbirth”, “trauma” and “risk factors” were entered. Out of 79 resulting articles in English, 48 articles dealing with the topic of postpartum PTSD were selected, of which 29 directly dealt with the identification and description of risk factors for the development of postpartum PTSD. Additional relevant literature has been obtained through the study of these articles.Results. The incidence of PTSD at 4-6 weeks after childbirth is estimated at 5.77% in the total population of postpartum women, and in the at-risk subpopulation, the estimate is 12.64%. Obstetric factors appear to be largely mediated by the emotional support of the birthing woman from medical staff as well as by the presence and support of the accompanying person. Subjective perception of childbirth by the women giving birth and the degree of control they feel during the birth process are among the strongest factors which influence the risk of developing PTSD after childbirth. Early intervention in the form of providing comprehensive information and emotional support during childbirth, as well as in the postpartum period, and various forms of social support reduce the risk of developing a chronic form of PTSD.Study limitations. Due to the specifics of childbirth systems across geographies, the incidence rate of PTSD and the representation of risk factors in the Czech and Slovak environments can differ from the incidence and representation of those countries included in the resources for this review article. Zhrnutie. Cieľom tohto prehľadového článku je popísať objektívne pôrodnícke a populačné faktory, ktoré sa podieľajú na vzniku posttraumatickej stresovej poruchy (PTSP) po pôrode, a tiež spôsoby, akými sa vzájomne ovplyvňujú so subjektívnymi faktormi, s cieľom identifikovať ženy, u ktorých je zvýšené riziko rozvoja symptómov PTSP po pôrode.Výsledky. Výskyt PTSP 4 až 6 týždňov po pôrode sa odhaduje na 5,77 % v celkovej populácii žien po pôrode a na 12,64 % v rizikovej subpopulácii. Pôrodnícke faktory sa javia byť do značnej miery mediované emocionálnou podporou rodiacej ženy zo strany zdravotníckeho personálu, ako aj prítomnosťou a podporou sprevádzajúcej osoby. Subjektívne vnímanie pôrodu rodiacimi ženami a miera kontroly, ktorú počas pôrodu pociťujú, patria medzi najsilnejšie faktory, ktoré ovplyvňujú riziko vzniku PTSP po pôrode. Včasná intervencia v podobe poskytovania dostatočných informácií a emocionálnej podpory počas pôrodu, ako aj v období po pôrode a rôzne formy sociálnej podpory znižujú riziko vzniku chronickej formy PTSP.Limity. Vzhľadom na špecifiká pôrodných systémov sa môže miera výskytu PTSP a zastúpenie rizikových faktorov v českom a slovenskom prostredí líšiť od výskytu a zastúpenia v krajinách, z ktorých pochádzajú zdroje zahrnuté v tomto prehľadovom článku.

The Role of Social Support for Women Entrepreneurs in Reducing Conflict to Increase Business Performance

The government's efforts to accelerate economic growth in Indonesia are carried out by encouraging people to become entrepreneurs. Several studies conducted during the last 10 years show that the growth of entrepreneurship in a country cannot be separated from the participation and role of women. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between social support and business performance improvement of women entrepreneurs. This study found that social support has an important role, especially for women entrepreneurs, with social support provided to women, multiple role conflicts can be reduced. Women can do their job to the fullest, and still carry out their role as wives and mothers in the family. The social support provided to women entrepreneurs really helps them to be able to calmly do their jobs, build and develop their businesses. Increasing social support will reduce dual role conflicts and will have an effect on improving the business performance of women entrepreneurs. The managerial implications of the research are 1. Women as entrepreneurs (women's entrepreneurship) can find the various forms of social support needed to help them reduce the dual role conflicts that are often experienced by women's entrepreneurship 2. Women as entrepreneurs (women's entrepreneurship) can develop appropriate strategies to improve their business performance through the social support they receive.3. Women as business actors (women entrepreneurship) can find out what dual role conflicts will arise and affect their business performance when they do not get social support. Keywords: social support, women entrepreneurs, dual role conflict, business performance

A Latent Class Analysis of Predictors for Engaging in Sex: A Study with Ethnically Diverse High School Students

Sexual activity occurs among a large portion of young adults and adolescents, including high school students. While about 40% of high school students nationwide have engaged in sexual intercourse, more information is needed about how individual characteristics may relate to larger patterns of adolescent sexual behavior. This exploratory study utilized a latent class analysis (LCA) to identify clusters of high school students (N = 801) based on demographic characteristics, sexual refusal skills, healthy relationship skills, sociosexuality, internalizing symptoms, alcohol use, various forms of social support (i.e., parents, friends, teachers), and sexual activity at baseline to predict their sexual behavior at a 6-month follow-up. Four unique latent classes were identified based on these baseline predictors. Distinctions in the profiles of high schoolers varied significantly by internalizing symptoms, race/ethnicity, sexually conservative attitudes, and social support in the prediction of adolescent sexual activity at 6-months. This study contributes to the investigation of demographic, social, psychological, attitudinal, and behavioral factors that may distinguish high school students from one another in terms of their longitudinal rates of sexual activity.

The Meaning of Family Social Support For Covid-19 Survivor : A Phenomenological Study of Nomads who Affected by Covid-19

Family social support is a very valuable and significant social support in helping the process of recovering the health of a Covid-19 patient. This study aims to describe the perception of social support received by Covid-19 survivors who migrate. This study uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design. Participants involved in this study consisted of three participants who live in Indonesia, survivors of Covid-19, living far from family, and a minimum education level of high school. Samples were taken purposively, and the study was conducted in March 2021. This study found that two out of three participants hid the fact that they were positive for Covid-19 from their families. Therefore, the main source of social support for survivors who migrated came from their friends around them. Survivors receive various forms of social support during treatment, including instrumental support, emotional support, reward support, and social network support. This study concludes that each participant has felt sufficient social support even though they are far from their families.

Social Support and Physical Activity in Older Adults: Identifying Predictors Using Data From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

This study examined which of nine forms of social support were the strongest predictors of physical activity in older adults, and to what degree these associations were moderated by eight demographic indicators of groups at increased risk of social isolation. Baseline data from 21,491 adults aged 65 and older who were participants of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging were analyzed using multiple regression. Greater social network size, social contact with network members, and participation in community-related activities predicted greater physical activity, whereas being in a domestic partnership and perceiving more tangible support to be available were negatively associated. The strength and direction of these associations varied by sex, living arrangement, and income. Given the findings, various forms of social support should be incorporated in physical activity interventions but tailored to meet the needs of different segments of the aging population.

Osteoarthritis, COVID-19 Social Isolation-Impacts, and Counter Solutions

Background to the Issue Many older adults, including those already suffering from chronically painful disabling osteoarthritis of one or more joints remain more susceptible than healthy age and gender matched adults to the COVID-19 corona virus. Aims This report sought to examine what has been published in 2020 on this health condition from the perspective of the variable of widely imposed social isolation strategies designed to mitigate the spread of this highly infectious disease, and to especially keep older community dwelling adults ‘safe’ from infection. Methods Reviewed were all articles published in 2020 in PUBMED from January 1-December 24, 2020 on osteoarthritis and COVID-19 isolation impacts, plus relevant past osteoarthritis and isolation literature among older adults. The focus was on ascertaining how social isolation and distancing strategies might impact current community-dwelling adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis and whether more should be done specifically to mitigate any potentially preventable ‘socially’ induced negative health impact among this group, in spite of the laudable goals of this public health strategy. Results Older adults with osteoarthritis living in the community who are asked to self-isolate, may incur more osteoarthritis pain and disability than would otherwise be encountered if actions taken to counter this possibility are not forthcoming. Advocated over and above basic care approaches are several psychosocial strategies including the role of mobilizing various forms of social support. Conclusion Data indicate a need for concerted thoughtful and immediate attention to offset isolation, fear, and anxiety and depression effects as part of a carefully devised integrated plan of management to reduce excess osteoarthritis disability, as well as excess COVID-19 risk among otherwise free living older adults already compromised by osteoarthritis.

Coping Mechanisms and Resilience in Later Life: The Role of Family and Friendship Ties in Diverse Settings

The papers in this symposium explore different aspects of social ties and how they act as critical coping mechanisms in the face of negative circumstances in later life. Using data from diverse settings, including China, Singapore, and the U.S., these papers underscore the importance of strong family and friendship ties, as they offer older adults with strong protection against social isolation and adverse health outcomes. Gupta and Pilai explore the similarity and differences in coping strategies/resilience among a diverse group of 30 U.S. older adults. Results point to the saliency of support from friends, regardless of race/ethnicity. Visaria addresses the relationship between the expression of loneliness and objective measures of social networks among older adults in Singapore. The findings shed light on how meaningful companionship and desired social connection offer powerful buffers against isolation in later life. Ruan and Chen explore which types of social ties offer the strongest protection when Chinese older adults are coping with the aftermath of negative life events. Findings point to the need to look beyond filial obligations and to consider the interplay among various forms of social support, including family, friends and the broader community. Zhang et al. examine the role of family and friendship ties in a rural Chinese community where many older adults were left behind by migrant children. The results suggest that those who are isolated from friends experience more depressive symptoms while those with close-knit friendship ties are the most resilient.