The perception of social support among U.S. Chinese older adults: findings from the PINE Study

Abstract

Objective: This study examined perceptions and correlates of both positive and negative social support among U.S. Chinese older adults.

Method: Data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago study, a population-based study of U.S. community-dwelling Chinese older adults aged 60 years and above in the Greater Chicago area.

Results: The findings suggested that U.S. Chinese older adults were more likely to perceive positive and negative spouse and family support than friend support. Younger age, being female, higher levels of education, being married, living with a larger number of people, higher health status, better quality of life, and improved health over the past year were positively associated with positive social support. However, younger age, being male, higher levels of education, being married, having fewer children and grandchildren, living with more people, lower health status, and poorer quality of life were positively correlated with negative social support.

Discussion: Chinese older adults perceive a high level of both positive and negative spouse and family support simultaneously. Further longitudinal studies should be conducted to better understand the factors and outcomes associated with perceived positive and negative social support.

Keywords: Chinese; negative social support; older adults; positive social support.