Social relationship quality and cognitive function: the roles of gender, race/ethnicity, and depression

This study examines the extent to which the quality of one's relationships with spouse, children, friends, and other family members are associated with cognitive function in older adults by gender and racial identities, along with the mediation effect of depressive symptoms for these associations.

The study uses data from the 2006-2014 Health and Retirement Study. Cognitive function is assessed with Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Social relationship quality is assessed with perceived social support and social strain level. Linear growth models are employed to address the research questions.

Older women report better cognitive function when they perceive higher support from children, lower support from other family members, and less strain from friends, while older men show worse cognitive function when they perceive higher spousal strain. Among racial groups, older White adults benefit from greater support from children, less strain from spouse, and lower support and strain from other family members. Older Black adults report better cognitive function with more support from children and less strain from friend. Depressive symptoms mediate the association between four sources of social strain and cognitive function, as well as between social support from spouse, children, and friend.

Exchanges with social network members may serve as sources of either support or stress, potentially promoting or undermining cognitive function among older adults depending on gender and race-ethnic identity. Interventions supporting cognitive aging may be more effective by reducing psychological distress, such as depression.