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Network-based and cohesion-based social capital and variations in depressive symptoms among Taiwanese adults

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  • Yun-Hsuan Wu
  • Kellee White
  • Nancy L Fleischer
  • Bo Cai
  • Shing-Chia Chen
  • Spencer Moore

Abstract

Background: Network- and cohesion-based social capital may play an important role in improving mental health. However, there is limited understanding about these relationships among adults in Taiwan. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between individual-level network and cohesion-based social capital and depressive symptoms among a population-based sample of Taiwanese adults. Methods: Data were obtained from the 1997 Taiwan Social Change Survey ( n  = 2,598). The 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptom scores; ⩾16 represented high depressive symptoms. Network-based social capital was measured using a position generator. Two dimensions of cohesion-based social capital were assessed: cognitive (perceived neighborhood trust and reciprocity) and structural (local community participation and organizational participation). Multivariable log-binomial regression models, weighted to account for the complex sampling design and adjusted for confounders, estimated prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to examine the association between each social capital measure and depressive symptoms. Results: In this study, 29.6% of respondents were classified as having high depressive symptom scores. Higher scores of composite cognitive social capital (adjusted Prevalence Ratios (aPR)  = 0.92, 95% CI = [0.90, 0.95]) and structural social capital (aPR = 0.80, 95% CI = [0.65, 0.99]) were associated with a lower likelihood of high depressive symptom scores after controlling for confounders. However, there was no association between network social capital and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the relationship between social capital and depressive symptoms in Taiwan differs according to the specific dimension of social capital assessed. Differentiating between network- and cohesion-based social capital merits greater attention to inform our understanding of building social capital to promote and improve mental health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Yun-Hsuan Wu & Kellee White & Nancy L Fleischer & Bo Cai & Shing-Chia Chen & Spencer Moore, 2018. "Network-based and cohesion-based social capital and variations in depressive symptoms among Taiwanese adults," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 64(8), pages 726-736, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:64:y:2018:i:8:p:726-736
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764018808326
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    References listed on IDEAS

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