| Author: | Wang, Juan |
| Title: | Relationship between social capital and mental health of older people migrating along with adult children in China |
| Advisors: | Lai, W. L. Daniel (APSS) |
| Degree: | DSW |
| Year: | 2021 |
| Subject: | Social capital (Sociology) -- China Internal migrants -- Mental health -- China Older people -- Mental health -- China Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Department of Applied Social Sciences |
| Pages: | xiii, 161 pages : color illustrations |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | The mass emergence of older people moving along with adult children (OPMA) is an outcome of social changes that have occurred in China within the recent decades. While OPMA contribute to their families and the nation by providing unpaid care for grandchildren, they are experiencing challenges and needs associated with mental wellbeing. This study used social capital as a theoretical framework, with the overarching aim being to better understand the relationship between mental health and social capital for OPMA. 399 participants aged 50 and older, who had been residing in Shenzhen for more than six months, currently taking care, or have taken care, of grandchildren, were identified through a mixed purposive and quota sampling procedure from four districts in Shenzhen, and completed a structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Social capital was assessed in relation to four aspects, the cognitive aspect of bonding social capital, the structural aspect of bonding social capital, the cognitive aspect of bridging social capital, and the structural aspect of bridging social capital. Mental health was represented by five indicators, GHQ-12, GDS-15, self-perceived mental health, life satisfaction, and subjective happiness. Other variables included demographic variables, living and caring arrangements variables, and physical health variables. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis methods were used. This study found that different aspects of social capital played different roles on mental health within different indicators. Bonding social capital correlated to only one indicator of mental health, subjective happiness. Bridging social capital had significant relationships with four mental health indicators, namely, GHQ, GDS, subjective happiness, and life satisfaction. Meanwhile, there were some correlations that significantly influenced mental health. Perceived income adequacy and self-report physical health both played significant roles in all indicators of mental health. Relationship with adult child had a predicting role on GDS, life satisfaction and subjective happiness. There were a number of other variables, such as gender, expected residential length, co-living adult child, and housework time, playing a role in at least one indicator of mental health (GDS or GHQ). Some key findings were discussed in detail. A framework of relationship between social capital and mental health for OPMA was proposed. Implications on social services, policies, and further research were listed and discussed. Despite some limitations, this study is an important addition to the literature on social capital and mental health for OPMA. Moreover, with several new correlation findings, it brings certain implication guidelines for improving the mental wellbeing of OPMA in social services and policies. Further research needs to be conducted among local older people in Shenzhen and older migrants in other cities for comparison study. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6371.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 2.1 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/11915