Older Adult's Marital Status, Conversation Frequency, and Well-Being in Everyday Life.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Marital status contributes to differences in social experiences and well-being in late life. Yet, we know little about the role of conversation in these processes. Drawing on a functionalist perspective and hierarchical compensatory model, this study aimed to understand (a) whether older adults' marital status is associated with conversation frequency throughout the day, (b) whether contacts with nonspousal ties elicit more conversations among unmarried older adults, and (c) whether conversations exert a stronger effect on mood for unmarried older adults than married older adults.

Method

Adults aged 65+ (N = 272) provided information about their background characteristics and social partners. Across 5-6 days, they completed ecological momentary assessments reporti

SUBMITTER: Ng YT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8893135 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature