Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Bidirectional intergenerational support and mental health in older adults based on latent profile analysis: a
Ao Li1, Xiaoxi Xie1, Xinyang Wan1
1School of International Pharmaceutical Business, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Background:
Bidirectional intergenerational support is linked to late-life mental health, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Guided by intergenerational solidarity and social support theories, we examined how distinct support profiles relate to mental health among Chinese older adults, testing self-rated health (SRH) as a mediator and social participation as a moderator.
Methods:
We analyzed 7,843 adults aged ≥60 from the 2020 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified bidirectional support profiles; group differences in mental health were assessed using the Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars (BCH) approach, followed by mediation and moderated-mediation models with bootstrap inference (5,000 resamples).
Results:
Four profiles emerged-High Support-High Interaction-High Closeness (HS-HI-HC; 47.02%), Child-High Support-Low Interaction-High Closeness (CS-LI-HC; 33.46%), Moderate Support-Moderate Interaction-Low Closeness (MS-MI-LC; 10.37%), and Low Support-Low Interaction-Moderate Closeness (LS-LI-MC; 9.16%). Mental health differed across different profiles, with HS-HI-HC showing the best mental health levels (the lowest scores). SRH partially mediated these associations (for instance, HS-HI-HC indirect effect = -0.186, 95% CI -0.245 to -0.131). Social participation attenuated benefits of high family support but buffered risks under low support.
Conclusion:
Bidirectional intergenerational support is heterogeneous in China; profiles characterized by reciprocity and closeness show the most favorable mental health. SRH accounts for a modest but meaningful share of these associations, and social participation can substitute for-or amplify-the benefits of family support depending on profile. Findings inform profile-tailored community and family interventions to promote healthy aging.
More Related Videos
06:58Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
09:38Generalized Psychophysiological Interaction PPI Analysis of Memory Related Connectivity in Individuals at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: November 14, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Longitudinal Research
Relationship Formation
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...