Community-Based Cognitive Social Capital and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in Urban China: The Moderating Role of Family Social Capital

The present study examined the moderating role of family social capital in the relationship between community-based cognitive social capital and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in urban China. Cross-sectional data were derived from a community survey conducted in Suzhou, China, in late 2015. Data from 441 respondents were included in the final analysis. Multiple group analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The latent construct of community-based cognitive social capital was based on trust and reciprocity indicators. Measurement invariance was established across groups with high or low family social capital. The results show that family social capital had a moderation effect on the relationship between community-based cognitive social capital and depressive symptoms. The effects of community-based cognitive social capital on depressive symptoms were higher among those with low family social capital. The findings demonstrate the interplay between family and community-based cognitive social capital. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.