Establishing and Maintaining Social Relationships During Significant Life Events: The Role of Age
In: The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences, social sciences, Volume 79, Issue 11
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
We investigate how adults of different ages experience changes in their social relationships during significant life events. Based on different goal priorities, younger adults may benefit more from establishing new social contacts during a significant life event, whereas older adults may benefit more from maintaining existing relationships.
Methods
To test these hypotheses, we conducted multilevel modeling with a sample of N = 6,688 participants aged 18–90 years who reported at least 1 significant life event in the past 2 years.
Results
Both establishing new social relationships and maintaining existing relationships during significant life events were associated with higher levels of well-being. As predicted, these associations were moderated by age. Establishing new social relationships was more strongly associated with mental health and life satisfaction in younger adults, whereas maintaining existing relationships was more strongly associated with subjective well-being, physical health, and loneliness in older adults.
Discussion
These findings provide valuable insights into the role of age in the change and stability of social relationships during significant life events.
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