Wong JS, Hsieh N. Couple Analysis in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021;
76:S276-S286. [PMID:
34918155 PMCID:
PMC8678438 DOI:
10.1093/geronb/gbab061]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Marital and intimate partner relationships are some of the most important social ties that shape older adults' health and well-being. This paper provides analytic guidelines for the couple data in Round 2 (2010-2011) and Round 3 (2015-2016) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) to encourage more research on marriage and partnership in late life.
METHOD
First, we describe the recruitment of couples and outline how to identify partners in the data sets. Second, we provide descriptive information about the couple sample. Third, we offer guidance for analyzing the dyadic data cross-sectionally and longitudinally.
RESULTS
Round 2 interviewed all primary respondents and a sample of their current cohabiting partners and spouses (n = 955 couples). In Round 3, NSHAP reinterviewed the primary respondents and partners who participated in Round 2 (Cohort 1; n = 621 couples) and recruited a new sample of age-eligible adults along with any cohabiting romantic partners (Cohort 2; n = 766 couples). Couples can be identified using a household ID variable in Round 2 and a partner ID variable in Round 3. Demographic characteristics of the couple sample vary by round and cohort.
DISCUSSION
Researchers can use data from either round to conduct cross-sectional dyadic analyses to examine issues faced by older couples. A common strategy for couple analysis is the actor-partner interdependence model. With 2 rounds of couple-level data, researchers may consider using cross-lagged models in their research.
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