Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
06:58
Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Role of social support in cognitive function among elders
Shuzhen Zhu1, Jie Hu, Jimmy T Efird
1Wuhan University HOPE School of Nursing, Wuhan City and Hubei Medical University, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, China.
Journal of Clinical Nursing
|July 14, 2012
Summary
Higher education and strong family support significantly improve cognitive function in Chinese elders. These factors are key to reducing cognitive decline in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a significant concern among the elderly population.
- Limited research exists on the specific relationship between social support and cognitive function in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cognitive function in elders in central China.
- To explore the associations between demographic characteristics, social support, and cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study was conducted.
- 120 elders in central China were recruited using a quasi-random sampling method.
- Data were collected using questionnaires on socio-demographics and perceived social support, alongside the Mini-Mental State Examination, analyzed via hierarchical multiple regression.
Main Results:
- Age, education, and social support explained 45.2% of the variance in cognitive function.
- Family support emerged as the most potent predictor of cognitive function.
- Higher educational attainment and greater family support were linked to better cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced educational levels and robust family support are associated with improved cognitive function in elders.
- Interventions focusing on family support are crucial for enhancing cognitive function among the elderly in China.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:28Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
A social support system is a structured network of personal relationships that provides assistance to individuals facing various challenges, offering a buffer against psychological and physical stressors. This network may consist of family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or other community members who provide resources and companionship. Social support can take many forms, including advice, emotional comfort, practical help, and companionship. Research indicates that these networks can...
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
01:27Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines a series of stages through which individuals progress across the lifespan. Each stage involves a psychosocial conflict that significantly influences personal growth and well-being. Three key stages — intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation, and integrity versus despair — highlight the developmental challenges faced in adulthood.
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early adulthood, from the 20s...
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early adulthood, from the 20s...
01:25Importance of Need for Affiliation
The need for affiliation is a fundamental human motive that drives individuals to form and maintain interpersonal relationships. This universal drive varies in intensity among individuals due to genetic predispositions and life experiences, shaping it into a relatively stable personality trait. Social inclusion enhances emotional well-being by fulfilling the need for affiliation, whereas social exclusion leads to distress, negative emotions, and cognitive impairments.Psychological and Emotional...
01:29The Influence of Cognition on Affect
Cognition plays a pivotal role in shaping emotional experiences, as demonstrated by Schachter and Singer’s two-factor theory of emotion. According to this model, emotion arises from a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. The body’s physiological response to stimuli is ambiguous and only gains emotional significance through cognitive labeling. For instance, an increased heart rate and adrenaline surge while standing near an attractive person may be interpreted as...