Universität zu Köln

Reiner, Amelie ORCID: 0009-0002-8789-1303 (2025). Social network structure and health in the second half of life. PhD thesis, Universität zu Köln.

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Abstract

Aim: This dissertation advances the understanding of the relationship between social network structure and health in later life through two main objectives. First, it synthesizes and quantifies existing research on how structural aspects of social networks relate to depression. Second, it adopts a holistic approach by examining network structure while considering member characteristics and structural factors. Specifically, it analyzes the structure of health advice networks and investigates the reciprocal relationship between social networks and health among older adults in a fully voluntary context, specifically carnival clubs, offering new insights into how social ties and health interact within voluntary social contexts. Methods: The first study systematically reviews research on the association between structural aspects of social networks and depression among older adults. Building on this, the second study uses a meta-analytical approach to quantify the evidence. The third study employs cross-sectional whole network data from the Jeckenstudie and applies recent advances of Exponential Random Graph Models to compare the structures of health advice networks and close relationship networks. The fourth study uses longitudinal whole network data from the Jeckenstudie, applying Stochastic Actor-Oriented Models to investigate the reciprocal relationship between social network dynamics and health among adults in the second half of life. Results: The systematic review and meta-analysis showed that larger networks, frequent contact, and higher network scale scores are moderately associated with lower depression levels. Further analyses revealed that health advice networks often extend beyond close ties, featuring open structures that promote diverse information exchange; however, poor physical health reduced individuals' likelihood of nominating health advisors, suggesting stigma barriers. In voluntary settings like carnival clubs, individuals with poor physical health were more likely to be nominated as close ties, challenging assumptions of health-related exclusion. While some social avoidance following health decline was observed, it appears to be weaker than in previously observed constrained environments. Additionally, those with poor mental health were more active in forming new ties. Conclusions: This dissertation highlights critical gaps in research on social networks and health in later life, emphasizing the need for more causal, longitudinal studies, broader examination beyond immediate social ties, accounting for network structure and consideration of varying social setting constraints on network dynamics. Policy implications include promoting health inclusive, voluntary community spaces to strengthen diverse social networks among older adults, thereby supporting health and social integration without imposing participation barriers.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD thesis)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Reiner, Amelie areiner@wiso.uni-koeln.de orcid.org/0009-0002-8789-1303 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-789243
Date:	2025
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Management, Economy and Social Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Sociology and Social Psychology > Department of Economic and Social Psychology
Subjects:	Social sciences
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language social network; social network analysis; health; older adults; structure; whole networks; peer networks English soziale Netzwerke; soziale Netzwerkanalyse; Gesundheit; ältere Erwachsene; Struktur; ganze Netzwerke; Peer-Netzwerke German
Date of oral exam:	9 September 2025
Referee:	Name Academic Title Ellwardt, Lea Prof. Dr. Hank, Karsten Prof. Dr.
Funders:	Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG; [454899704])
Projects:	Social networks and wellbeing: A mixed-methods study in an older community
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/78924