Associations among social participation types, mental and subjective well-being in Chinese older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIMS: This study investigated the relationships between specific types of social participation and well-being variables (i.e., life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, symptoms of depression and anxiety) in Chinese older adults in Hong Kong. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 341 participants aged 55-95 years (mean, 70.92; SD, 9.03) was recruited to complete a survey questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic (between April and June 2022). Five hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between different types of social participation (physical, cultural, recreational, religious, and voluntary work) and outcome variables. RESULTS: After controlling for covariates, it was revealed that only physical activities were associated with all outcome variables. Religious and cultural activities were positively related to positive affect, while an inverse relationship was found between recreational activities and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: With the restrictions on social participation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, these findings suggest that promoting different types of social interactions might foster various aspects of well-being in Chinese older adults. To achieve successful aging, the role of physical activities might be of paramount importance even under adverse situations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 364-369.

Find Joy in Sorrows: The Role of Hope in Buffering the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Chinese University Students in Hong Kong.

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis has exerted significant psychological impacts on university students who have faced drastic changes in the learning mode and suspension of classes. Despite these challenges, many students maintained subjective well-being. In this study, we examined the role of "hope" as a potential protector to maintain their subjective well-being when facing adversity during this global crisis. Specifically, we explored the mediating role of two hope components (agency thinking and pathways thinking) on the association of positive emotions and life satisfaction among Chinese university students. We conducted an online survey at a local university and recruited a total of 315 undergraduates from the humanities, creative arts, and social sciences programs through convenience sampling. Participants confirmed their informed consent and completed a set of self-administered questionnaires measuring positive emotions, hope, life satisfaction, and demographic variables. The results of mediation testing indicated that, during a global crisis such as COVID-19, positive emotions indirectly influenced life satisfaction through agency thinking rather than pathways thinking. The findings highlight the importance of agency thinking among Chinese university students in adverse situations and provide valuable insights for psychological interventions during a crisis. The article concludes by discussing possible explanations and implications of the findings in a post-pandemic world.

Positive Emotions, Hope, and Life Satisfaction in Chinese Older Adults: An Application of Broaden-and-Build Model.

According to the broaden-and-build theory, positive emotions can broaden our awareness and build psychological resources, which leads to better psychological outcomes. Previous studies demonstrated that hope partially mediates the association between positive emotions and life satisfaction in college students. Yet, there has no similar model been tested among older adults. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the mediating role of hope agency and pathways in the association between positive emotions and life satisfaction. Three hundred and forty-one Chinese community-dwelling older adults (mean = 70.83, SD = 9.16) were asked to complete a survey questionnaire comprising measures assessing positive emotions, hope, life satisfaction, and other sociodemographic variables. Results showed that hope agency, but not hope pathways, partially mediated the relationship between positive emotions and life satisfaction. We discussed the importance of these initial findings concerning positive emotions and hope as predictors of life satisfaction in the older adult population.

The psychometric properties of the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) and its associations with well-being indicators in Hong Kong older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Social networks play a vital role in facilitating late-life health and well-being. The current research sought to examine the psychometric properties of the abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) among community-dwelling Hong Kong Chinese older adults and to explore the association between social network and well-being indicators such as life satisfaction, functional social support, loneliness and anxiety. METHODS: We administered the LSNS-6 scale to 324 older adults (mean = 71.70, SD = 8.58, range: 58-95). We performed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to confirm the construct validity. Cronbach's alpha was chosen for internal consistency estimation. Correlational analysis was performed between LSNS-6 scale and other measures to ascertain the convergent validity. RESULTS: The two-factor model of LSNS-6 indicated an adequate fit. The goodness-of-fit index values for the model were χ2 /df = 2.61, CFI = 0.98, RSMEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.05. The internal consistency of the scale was α = 0.75. It also demonstrated good construct validity in measuring the social network and acceptable convergent validity to other measures. CONCLUSIONS: The LSNS-6, according to current findings, can be a valid reference to the social network of Hong Kong older adults, enabling researchers and clinicians to investigate and develop further corresponding remedies for those in need.