Exploring Relationships of Psychological Sense of Community With Self-Rated Health and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Chinese Americans

Abstract

This study examined the relationships of psychological sense of community (PSOC) with self-rated health and depressive symptoms among older Chinese Americans. The sample was taken from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE), a population-based survey of 3,159 community-dwelling seniors. PSOC was measured through the Sense of Community Index (SCI). Factor analysis indicated a four-dimensional structure within the SCI; however, the SCI lacked dimensional consistency and items that composed four underlying factors were different than the proposed ones. After controlling for sociodemographics, binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that a higher level of PSOC was related to a lower likelihood of self-reporting poor or fair health and of developing more depressive symptoms. The identified factors of influence and emotional connection were also significantly related to self-rated health and depressive symptoms. Future research need aim at improving the conceptualization process of the PSOC and cultural relevance in minority populations.