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Zhang C, Liang X. Association between WeChat use and mental health among middle-aged and older adults: a secondary data analysis of the 2020 China Family Panel Studies database. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073553. [PMID: 37844989 PMCID: PMC10582882 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study focused on the association between WeChat use, the most popular social software in China, and the mental health of middle-aged and older adults. DESIGN Nationwide cross-sectional study. SETTING The China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) database. PARTICIPANTS The study sample included 11 127 middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 and above identified from the 2020 CFPS database. RESULTS WeChat usage was negatively associated with depression (OR: 0.782, p<0.01), as was the WeChat Moments sharing (OR: 0.846, p<0.01). 10.310% of the relationship between WeChat usage and depression came from the effects of interpersonal relationships (5.720%) and social trust (4.590%), with significant indirect effects (B=-0.028, p<0.01). Sixteen per cent of the relationship between WeChat Moments sharing and depression came from the effect of interpersonal relationships (6.800%) and social trust (9.200%), and the indirect effect was also significant (B=-0.032, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS WeChat use may empower middle-aged and elderly to maintain close social relationships and trust contributing to their mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Zhang
- Institute of Network Social Governance, School of Marxism, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolin Liang
- School of Law and Sociology, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
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Ho MH, Lee JJ, Yen HY. Associations between older adults' social media use behaviors and psychosocial well-being. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:2247-2255. [PMID: 37410359 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02486-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research examining associations between social media use behaviors and psychosocial well-being among older adults are limited. AIMS To explore associations between older adults' social media (social networking services and instant messaging applications) use behaviors and psychosocial well-being. METHODS This was a secondary data analysis. All data were retrieved from the Taiwan Communication Survey database, an annual survey that examines trends in Taiwanese residents' communication behaviors and social media use. The original investigation was conducted in Taiwan from September to December 2019. Data from 647 older adults aged over 60 years were extracted for the analyses. Social media use behaviors (users/non-users and time spent using), positive psychosocial outcomes (life satisfaction, self-determination, subjective well-being, and happiness), negative psychosocial outcomes (loneliness, depression, and anxiety), and demographic variables were included. RESULTS Social media users had significantly higher levels of subjective well-being and lower levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness compared with non-users. Time spent on social networking services was significantly and positively correlated with negative psychosocial outcomes (β = 0.103, p = 0.044, f2 = 0.011), and it was significantly and inversely correlated with positive psychosocial outcomes (β = - 0.063, p = 0.049, f2 = 0.004). Time spent using an instant messaging application was significantly positively associated with positive psychosocial outcomes (β = 0.068, p = 0.031, f2 = 0.005). The proposed path model had an acceptable model fit. DISCUSSION Study results indicated that older adults' social media use behaviors were associated with their psychosocial well-being. CONCLUSIONS Older adults are recommended to use social media for appropriate time periods as an important way to promote social engagement for their psychosocial well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Hsing Ho
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 5/F, Academic Building, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jung Jae Lee
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 5/F, Academic Building, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hsin-Yen Yen
- School of Gerontology and Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
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Du X, Liao J, Ye Q, Wu H. Multidimensional Internet Use, Social Participation, and Depression Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Individuals: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44514. [PMID: 37647119 PMCID: PMC10500359 DOI: 10.2196/44514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that the internet has beneficial effects on the mental health of middle-aged and older people (≥45 years), but the evidence is inconclusive, and the underlying mechanisms are less known. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the relationship between multidimensional (devices, frequency, and purpose) internet use and depression in middle-aged and elderly Chinese, as well as the mediating effect of social participation. Moreover, this study will explore the moderating effect of the regional informatization development level (RIDL) on the relationships between individual internet use, social participation, and depression. METHODS Data on 17,676 participants aged 45 years or older were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 data set. The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) was used to identify the presence of depression. Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between each dimension of internet use and depression. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the mediating effect of social participation and the moderating effect of the RIDL. RESULTS The results showed that 28.33% (5008/17,676) of the total population had depression. In terms of regional subgroups, respondents living in the western region exhibited the highest proportion of depression (2041/5884, 34.69%). Internet use was negatively associated with depression (odds ratio 0.613, 95% CI 0.542-0.692; P<.001). Various dimensions of internet use positively contributed to individual social participation and reduced individual depression (devices: β=-.170, 95% CI -0.209 to -0.127; frequency: β=-.065, 95% CI -0.081 to -0.047; and purpose: β=-.043, 95% CI -0.053 to -0.031). In addition, the RIDL weakened the relationship between individual-level internet use and social participation (internet use: F74.12,9.82=7.55, P<.001; devices: F51.65/9.88=5.23, P=.005; frequency: F66.74/10.08=6.62, P=.001; and purpose: F66.52/9.78=6.80, P=.001), and negatively moderated the relationship between the frequency of internet use and depression (frequency: F662.67/188.79=3.51, P=.03). CONCLUSIONS This study found that different dimensions of internet use are associated with lower levels of depression. Social participation partially mediates the association between multidimensional internet use and depression in the eastern, central, and western regions, respectively. Additionally, the RIDL helps individuals further their internet use and social participation, reducing the impact of depression. However, this effect weakens sequentially from the western region to the central region and then to the eastern region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwang Du
- Taikang Tongji (Wuhan) Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiazhi Liao
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Ye
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wu M, Li C, Zhao X, Hu T, Zeng L, Yu Y, Yang F, Han Y. The effect of internet use on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults with functional disability: the mediating role of social isolation. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1202541. [PMID: 37492141 PMCID: PMC10363719 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1202541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The popularization of the internet provides the possibility to improve the depressive symptoms (DS) and social isolation of middle-aged and older adults with functional disability. There was a significant correlation between internet use and DS in middle-aged and older adults with functional disability, but the relationship between internet use, social isolation, and DS remains to be confirmed. Methods Data were obtained from 7,955 middle-aged and older adults aged 45 years and older from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association between internet use and DS, and the Sobel test was used to explore mediating models. Results Results showed that internet use was negatively associated with DS among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Among them, social needs (B = -0.770, p = 0.041), and information reception (B = -1.067, p = 0.007) were significantly related to DS in middle-aged and older adults. Only information reception (B = -3.161, p = 0.031) was significantly related to DS among middle-aged and older adults with functional disability. Social isolation partially mediated the association between internet use and DS in middle-aged and older adults without functional disability, whereas it was fully mediated in middle-aged and older adults with functional disability. Conclusion This study indicates that when formulating health policies to promote the mental health of Chinese middle-aged and older adults, the use of the internet should not be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Wu
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoyang Li
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueyang Zhao
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Hu
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijuan Zeng
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiqing Yu
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Fen Yang
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangyang Han
- School of Nursing, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
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Wang G, Duan J, Kan Q, Zhou Y, Cheng Z, Tang S. The correlation analysis of WeChat usage and depression among the middle-aged and elderly in China: the mediating role of social participation. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:462. [PMID: 36899336 PMCID: PMC9999613 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15349-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to explore the association between WeChat usage and depression in the Chinese middle-aged and elderly and the role of social participation. METHODS Data were obtained from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) of 2018. The dependent variable was depressive symptoms, measured with the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). We used the propensity score matching (PSM) to match the WeChat users with the non-WeChat users. Correlations between WeChat usage and depressive symptoms were verified by using logistic regression and linear regression, and the mediating role of social participation was verified by using stepwise regression and KHB method. RESULTS Four thousand five hundred forty-five samples were ultimately matched for analysis in this study. After including all control variables, results of logistic regression showed that WeChat usage was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of depression (aOR:0.701,95% CI: 0.605-0.812). And the results of linear regression showed that WeChat usage was associated with lower levels of depression which was significant (p < 0.001). The results of the stepwise regression and the KHB method showed a mediating role of social participation in WeChat usage and depressive symptoms. Among the four types of social participation, the mediating effect of recreational activities was significant, while the mediating effects of voluntary activities, cultural activities, and other activities were not significant. Meanwhile, the effect of WeChat usage on depression and the mediating effect of social participation were heterogeneous because of differences in age and gender. CONCLUSION Social participation partly mediated the effect between WeChat usage and depression in middle-aged and older adults. Among the four types of social participation, only recreational activities had a mediating effect. Encouraging more active social participation and other types of social activities should be considered to improve the mental health of the middle-aged and older adults in China through social media usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoling Wang
- School of Health Economics and Management, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Duan
- School of Health Economics and Management, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianqian Kan
- School of Health Economics and Management, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqin Zhou
- School of Health Economics and Management, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaopeng Cheng
- School of Health Economics and Management, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shaoliang Tang
- School of Health Economics and Management, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Mu A, Yuan S, Liu Z. Internet use and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults: Two sides of internet use. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1149872. [PMID: 36969621 PMCID: PMC10034360 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1149872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between internet use which includes time spent on the internet, internet skills, types of online activities, and depressive symptoms in older adults.MethodsWe used 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data with 3,171 older adults aged 60 years. Depression symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), and internet use was measured by time spent on the internet, internet skills, and types of online activities. Multiple linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between internet use and depressive symptoms in older adults.ResultsLonger time spent on the internet was associated with higher scores of depressive symptoms (β = 0.14). Higher internet skills were associated with lower scores of depressive symptoms (β = −0.42). Watching short-form videos (β = 1.34) was associated with higher depressive symptom scores, and the use of the WeChat function (β = −0.96) was associated with lower depressive symptom scores, while online games and online shopping were not significant.ConclusionThe effect of internet use on depressive symptoms in older adults is a double-edged sword. Controlling the time spent on the internet, improving internet skills, and guiding specific a type of online activities in older adults can improve depressive symptoms through rational use.
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The relationship between Chinese adults' self-assessments of family social status in childhood and depression: A moderated mediation model. J Affect Disord 2023; 320:284-290. [PMID: 36179782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using the data from a large-scale Chinese national survey, this study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms between Chinese adults' self-assessments of family social status in childhood and depression. METHODS The research data was from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2020. We selected 13,430 Chinese adults aged 16-60 as participants, and used the PROCESS macro program to conduct moderated mediation analysis. RESULTS Chinese adults' self-assessments of family social status in childhood had a statistically significant negative predictive effect on depression. The sharing frequency of WeChat Moments played a partial mediating role in the relationship between self-assessment of family social status in childhood and depression. Furthermore, social trust moderated the direct effect of mediation model. Age moderated the second half of the mediation model, and the effect was statistically significant in the younger population (young people), but not in the older population (middle-aged people). LIMITATIONS This was a cross-sectional study and no causal conclusions could be drawn. CONCLUSIONS Chinese adults' self-assessment of family social status in childhood could affect depression in adulthood through sharing frequency of WeChat Moments. People with higher social trust can effectively buffer the adverse effect of self-assessed low family social status in childhood on depression. Age moderated the relationship between sharing frequency of WeChat Moments and depression, but this moderating effect was only significant in the younger population.
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Abu-Taieh EM, AlHadid I, Masa’deh R, Alkhawaldeh RS, Khwaldeh S, Alrowwad A. Factors Affecting the Use of Social Networks and Its Effect on Anxiety and Depression among Parents and Their Children: Predictors Using ML, SEM and Extended TAM. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192113764. [PMID: 36360644 PMCID: PMC9656283 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has found support for depression and anxiety associated with social networks. However, little research has explored parents' depression and anxiety constructs as mediators that may account for children's depression and anxiety. The purpose of this paper is to test the influence of different factors on children's depression and anxiety, extending from parents' anxiety and depression in Jordan. The authors recruited 857 parents to complete relevant web survey measures with constructs and items and a model based on different research models TAM and extended with trust, analyzed using SEM, CFA with SPSS and AMOS, and ML methods, using the triangulation method to validate the results and help predict future applications. The authors found support for the structural model whereby behavioral intention to use social media influences the parent's anxiety and depression which correlate to their offspring's anxiety and depression. Behavioral intention to use social media can be enticed by enjoyment, trust, ease of use, usefulness, and social influences. This study is unique in exploring rumination in the context of the relationship between parent-child anxiety and depression due to the use of social networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evon M. Abu-Taieh
- Department of Computer Information Systems, Faculty of Information Technology and Systems, The University of Jordan, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Issam AlHadid
- Department Information Technology, Faculty of Information Technology and Systems, The University of Jordan, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Ra’ed Masa’deh
- Department of Management Information Systems, School of Business, The University of Jordan, Amman 77110, Jordan
| | - Rami S. Alkhawaldeh
- Department of Computer Information Systems, Faculty of Information Technology and Systems, The University of Jordan, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Sufian Khwaldeh
- Department Information Technology, Faculty of Information Technology and Systems, The University of Jordan, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- Department Information Technology, Faculty of Information Technology and Systems, University of Fujairah, Fujairah P.O. Box 2202, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ala’aldin Alrowwad
- Department of Business Management, School of Business, The University of Jordan, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- Correspondence:
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Association between WeChat Use and Memory Performance among Older Adults in China: The Mediating Role of Depression. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12090323. [PMID: 36135127 PMCID: PMC9495430 DOI: 10.3390/bs12090323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes to memory performance in the course of aging may be influenced by behavioral factors. The use of social media among elderly people is increasing, but studying its effect on cognitive functions such as memory remains at an early stage of development. Meanwhile, the linking mechanisms underlying the association between social media use and memory performance, if any exist, have not been revealed. This study attempted to examine the association between the use of WeChat, the most popular social media platform in China, and memory performance among older people, and to test the possible mediating role of depression underlying this association. Data were drawn from the five-wave survey of the China Family Panel Study (CFPS), and 4929 respondents aged 60 or older (mean age = 68.19, SD = 5.84, 48.2% females) were included. Based on the descriptive statistics, the chi-squared test, Student’s t-test, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis were conducted. The results indicated that the usage rate of WeChat among the sample was 20.1%. After controlling for demographic variables, the use of WeChat was related to higher levels of memory performance and lower levels of depression. Moreover, depression partially mediated the relationship between WeChat use and memory performance. To maintain memory performance and promote cognitive health in the course of aging, using social media and alleviating depression merit special attention.
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