EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA, SOCIAL NETWORK, AND GENDER MODERATION ON DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
2024

Impact of Childhood Trauma and Social Networks on Depression in Older Adults

Sample size: 1558 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Xu Ying, Fu Xiaoyu, Silverstein Merril

Primary Institution: Syracuse University

Hypothesis

Does childhood trauma and social network affect depression among older adults, and does this vary by gender?

Conclusion

Childhood trauma significantly affects depression levels in older adults, with a stronger impact on females, while larger social networks are associated with lower depression levels.

Supporting Evidence

  • Childhood trauma is significantly associated with depression levels in older adults.
  • The impact of childhood trauma on depression is stronger for females than males.
  • A larger social network is linked to lower levels of depression in older adults.

Takeaway

This study found that older adults who had trauma as children are more likely to be depressed, especially women, and having more friends can help reduce depression.

Methodology

Hierarchical moderated regression models were used to analyze the data.

Participant Demographics

The sample included 812 males and 746 females from rural China.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p <.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2674

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