Neuroticism, Social Support and Activities of Daily Living in the Health Longevity Survey of the Old in China

Abstract

Previous studies concerning with the relationship of neuroticism and social support in areas of health suggested that neuroticism is highly associated with health problems and social support could reduce the effect of neuroticism on health as a mediator. Therefore, this study examined these findings for older people in China. Based on Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey dataset, 11,147 participants living in 22 of the 31 provinces in China were interviewed in 2000 by self-report questionnaires involving with family households, psychological characteristics, financial support, family support and activities of the daily living. The results showed that neuroticism influences old people’s ADL impairments, although this impact would be decreased by the intervention of social support. Social support also shows their influences on ADL impairment for the elder. However, the influences of social support are less than that of neuroticism on ADL impairments. In addition, social support involving with its type and quality show the effect of mediation on the relationship between neuroticism and ADL impairment, although the number of social support network has no significant effect on reducing the possibility of ADL impairment of people with high neuroticism. Finally the adequacy of social support shows more influences than the other components on neuroticism and ADL impairment, and also has greater influences to reduce ADL impairment to people with high neuroticism.