Child loss and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults: The moderating role of community care service

Child loss is recognized as a risk factor for Chinese older adults' mental health, yet the differential impact and protective factors related to this association are not fully understood. This study examines potential differences in the effects of the deceased child's gender and only-child status, as well as the moderating role of community care service. Data is collected from a sample of 9686 Chinese older adults through the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. The results indicate that the loss of a son has a more significant impact on depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults than the loss of a daughter. The effect of child loss on depressive symptoms is not related to being an only child. Furthermore, community care service can buffer the negative impact of child loss on depressive symptoms. This study holds significant practical implications for enhancing the mental health of bereaved older adults.