Social Network Factors Associated with Perceived Quality of Life

Abstract

Demographic and social network factors associations with perceived quality of life (PQOL) were examined in a sample of rural Hispanic and non-Hispanic White (NHW) elderly. A 20-item PQOL scale measured participants' satisfaction with multiple facets of their lives. Age, gender, marital status, and living alone were not associated with this outcome. Hispanic persons with higher incomes had consistently higher ratings of quality of life compared to NHWs. More education was associated with a higher PQOL rating only among NHWs. More close friends and relatives, visiting in homes, and participation in outside activities were all independently related to PQOL. Interaction tests showed that the impact of social networks was stronger in NHWs. These findings suggest that network size and contact are important social factors that can improve quality of life for both ethnic groups. However, differences may need to be examined when judging the magnitude of these associations and when planning interventions.

Gender and age differences in domain-specific life satisfaction and the impact of depressive and anxiety symptoms: a general population survey from Germany

“…This could be related with findings indicating that life satisfaction in women is positively explained by perceived social support [30]. Perceived availability of emotional support, reassurance, instrumental assistance, and companionship provided by social network partners such as a family have consistently been reported to be related to better life satisfaction [31,32]. In general, women are more sensitive to their social networks than are men [33].…”

The relationships between quality of life and anxiety symptoms and the moderating effects of socio-demographic characteristics in Taiwanese adolescents

“…Meanwhile, the negative association between anxiety symptoms and QOL in the social relationship domain was more significant in girls than in boys. Research found that perceived availability of emotional support, reassurance, instrumental assistance, and companionship provided by social networks are related to better life satisfaction [21]. In general, women are more sensitive to their social networks than men [22].…”

Structural Social Capital, Household Income and Life Satisfaction: The Evidence from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong-Province, China

“…Heller and Mansbach (1984) find that the size of social networks is a significant determinant of life satisfaction and psychological well-being among elderly women. Baxter and et al (1998) find that the size of old people's social networks is associated with their perceptions of life quality. Vandervoort (1999) reports that network size, namely the total number of children, relatives and friends of the respondent, is strongly related to depression and anxiety.…”