Age differences in reported social networks and well-being
Wändi Bruine de Bruin1, Andrew M Parker2, JoNell Strough3
1Centre for Decision Research.
Psychology and Aging
|November 8, 2019
Summary
Older adults have smaller social networks but report higher well-being. Close friends, not network size, drive well-being, with relationship quality being key.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Previous research on social networks and well-being often used limited age groups or geographic areas.
- Generalizability of findings on social networks and well-being is often limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between social network size, composition, and well-being across the adult lifespan.
- To investigate the role of relationship quantity versus quality in predicting well-being.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two online surveys from RAND's American Life Panel, a nationally representative adult sample.
- Participants (N=496 in Survey 1, N=287 in Survey 2) reported on their social network size (close friends, family, neighbors, peripheral others), social satisfaction, and well-being.
Main Results:
- Older participants reported smaller social networks, primarily due to fewer peripheral others.
- Despite smaller networks, older age was associated with higher well-being.
- The number of close friends was the primary predictor of well-being across the lifespan, independent of other network members.
- Social satisfaction was more strongly linked to well-being than the number of close friends.
Conclusions:
- Relationship quality, rather than quantity, is a crucial factor for well-being across the adult lifespan.
- Findings suggest focusing on relationship quality in social network interventions to enhance well-being.
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