Number of Dependents, Community Support, and Mental Health in Later Life: Does Gender Make a Difference?

Journal: International journal of aging & human development

Volume: 83

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2017

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria johnbosco.chukwuorji@unn.edu.ng. E-dey Work Catholic Ministries, Anambra, Nigeria.

Abstract summary 

This study examined associations of number of dependents and community support with mental health and whether the nature of these associations differs for males and females. Data were obtained from 209 elderly Nigerians using self-report measures. Hierarchical multiple regression (stepwise method) and Hayes regression-based PROCESS approach for tests of moderation were employed in analyzing the data. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression showed that number of dependents predicted mental health for the total sample and for men, but not for women. For the subgroups of men and women, there were significant predictions of mental health by community integration, community participation, and use of community organization, even after controlling for the roles of sociodemographic variables. The hypothesis on the moderation effect of community support on the associations of number of dependents and mental health was also supported. Findings highlighted the importance of addressing gender differences in the role of social capital in mental health.

Authors & Co-authors:  Nwoke Mary Basil MB Chukwuorji JohnBosco Chika JC Ebere Magnus Okechukwu MO

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  3
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1177/0091415016641691
SSN : 0091-4150
Study Population
Men,Males
Mesh Terms
Aged
Other Terms
buffering model;community support;dependents;resilience;well-being
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Niger
Publication Country
United States