Do Intergenerational Bonds Reduce Depression Risk in Aging China? Evidence from a Nationwide Cohort

Background Although existing research has linked family intergenerational relationships with psychosocial depressive conditions in older adults, the mechanisms and conditions associated with these relationships remain underexplored. We categorize the main patterns of family intergenerational relationships in China. Further we examined how social engagement moderates the relationship between family intergenerational relationship patterns and depression. Methods The data were collected from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (2011–2018, wave 1–3), which utilized latent class analysis to identify family intergenerational relationship patterns among 9,765 eligible older adults. Generalized linear models were then utilized to explore the influence mechanisms between different intergenerational relationship patterns and geriatric mental health. Results Based on the results of the latent class analysis and the four dimensions of the intergenerational solidarity model (residential distance, connection, emotion, and function), four relationship types were identified: Tight-Knit, Support-Distant, Alienation-Close, and Detached. Generalized linear modeling analysis revealed that detached family intergenerational relationships, education, self-rated health, and self-rated quality of life had significant effects on depressive symptoms in older adults ( P  < 0.001). Social participation (including recreational and social activities) moderated the relationship between family intergenerational dynamics and depressive symptoms ( P  < 0.001). Higher levels of social participation notably mitigated the negative impact of detached family intergenerational relationships on depressive symptoms in older adults ( r = -0.176, P  < 0.001). Conclusions Distant family ties heighten depression risk in older adults. Although social involvement can't fully substitute family support, it partially relieves depressive symptoms. As family is society's basic unit and linked to older adults, gaps in family support should encourage engagement in social activities and 'active aging'. This helps them rediscover self-worth and address mental health challenges from strained family ties, ultimately reducing depression risk.