Social network and cognitive functioning in old age : Self-efficacy as a mediator?
Sonja Fankhauser1, Andreas Maercker2, Simon Forstmeier3
1Privatklinik Meiringen, Meiringen, Switzerland.
Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie Und Geriatrie
|January 29, 2017
Summary
Social network size impacts cognitive function, with informant-rated self-efficacy mediating this link. Larger networks may protect against cognitive impairment in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Social networks and self-efficacy are crucial for cognitive health in aging.
- Cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), affects a significant portion of the elderly population.
- Understanding the interplay between social factors, self-perception, and cognitive decline is essential for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine self-efficacy as a mediator between social network characteristics and cognitive impairment.
- To investigate the relationship between network size, social contact frequency, satisfaction, and social support with cognitive status.
- To analyze these associations in a cohort of older adults, including those with MCI and early-stage AD.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 189 adults (mean age 75 years).
- Assessment of cognitive status using the Mini-Mental State Examination.
- Statistical analyses included binary logistic regression and linear regression, controlling for confounders.
Main Results:
- Network size was significantly associated with cognitive status (β = 0.15, p < 0.05).
- Larger network size correlated with reduced odds of cognitive impairment (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99).
- Informant-rated general self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationship between network size and cognitive status.
Conclusions:
- Social network size is a significant factor in maintaining cognitive function in older adults.
- Self-efficacy, particularly as perceived by others, plays a key role in mediating the protective effects of social networks against cognitive decline.
- Findings suggest potential neuroendocrine and health behavior mechanisms warranting further investigation.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseCognitive functioningMild cognitive impairmentSelf-efficacySocial networkMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
1.0K
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,...
1.0K
01:27Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
314
Social comparison plays a fundamental role in the evaluation of personal success and self-worth. Rather than assessing our achievements in isolation, we interpret their significance relative to personal goals and critically in comparison to the performance of others. A grade of B in a mathematics exam might elicit pride if one's expectation was a C, yet result in disappointment if an A was anticipated or if peers achieved superior results. These comparative evaluations illustrate how both...
314
01:24Sources of Self-Esteem II: Performance Feedback
206
Self-esteem is intricately tied to our perception of competence and our ability to exert control over our lives. One of the primary sources of this perception is performance feedback — the ongoing evaluation of our actions in terms of success and failure. According to Franks and Marolla (1976), people derive self-worth from experiencing themselves as causal agents, capable of achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. This process nurtures a critical component of self-esteem:...
206
01:25Benefits of Self-Esteem
234
Self-esteem—an individual's overall evaluation of their worth—plays a complex role in psychological functioning and well-being. It is often associated with many positive traits, such as confidence, optimism, and perseverance. Individuals with high self-esteem typically experience better sleep, manage peer pressure more effectively, and report greater life satisfaction. Conversely, low self-esteem has been consistently linked with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and poor...
234
01:29Self-Efficacy
280
Self-efficacy is the belief in one's capacity to organize and execute actions necessary to manage prospective situations. This belief significantly influences how individuals approach goals, tasks, and challenges across different domains of life.Psychological and Educational ImpactsIndividuals with strong self-efficacy are more resilient in the face of difficulties. They are more likely to adopt effective problem-solving strategies, persist through obstacles, and regulate emotions such as...
280
01:30Social Foundations of Self III: Self-Evaluation
221
Self-evaluation is the process by which individuals assess their abilities, behaviors, and characteristics based on feedback from others. Charles H. Cooley observed that a person’s self-perception is primarily influenced by how others see and judge them. He suggested that individuals form their identities based on their interpretations of others' reactions. As a result, social interactions play a crucial role in shaping self-esteem and personal identity. These external evaluations often...
221