Wang Xiaochuan, Bergren Stephanie, Dong XinQi
School of Social Work, 6243University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
242612Rutgers University, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
J Aging Health. 2023 Jan;35(1-2):83-93. doi: 10.1177/08982643221106870. Epub 2022 Jun 12.
Depression has become one major mental health concern among Asian older adults. Yet, less is known about the role of social support on depression help-seeking among this population. This study examined the association between positive (i.e., open up to, rely on) and negative (i.e., too many demands, criticism) social support and depression help-seeking among U.S. Chinese older adults. Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Study sample consisted of 994 U.S. Chinese older adults with depressive symptoms. Stepwise logistic regression results indicated that greater positive social support was associated with increased likelihood of both formal and informal help-seeking behaviors, whereas negative support was not a significant predictor. Findings highlight the key role of positive social support in influencing U.S. Chinese older adults' depression help-seeking behaviors. Tailored strategies are recommended to better meet the mental health needs of this vulnerable population.
抑郁症已成为亚洲老年人中一个主要的心理健康问题。然而，对于社会支持在这一人群寻求抑郁症治疗方面所起的作用，我们了解得较少。本研究考察了积极（即敞开心扉、依赖）和消极（即要求过多、批评）社会支持与美国华裔老年人寻求抑郁症治疗之间的关联。数据来自芝加哥华裔老年人人口研究（PINE）。研究样本包括994名有抑郁症状的美国华裔老年人。逐步逻辑回归结果表明，更多的积极社会支持与寻求正式和非正式帮助行为的可能性增加相关，而消极支持并非显著预测因素。研究结果凸显了积极社会支持在影响美国华裔老年人寻求抑郁症治疗行为方面的关键作用。建议采取针对性策略，以更好地满足这一弱势群体的心理健康需求。
