Stress and emotional wellbeing among LGBT older adults: a moderated mediation model for social network size, composition, and perceived social support

Background and Objectives: Previous research has not differentiated between the structural and functional dimensions of social networks when trying to understand whether social relationships have a moderating or mediating role in protecting against the effects of stress on health. This study investigates if social network size and composition moderate the mediation role of perceived social support between stress and emotional wellbeing. Research Design and Methods: Among a national sample of LGBT Americans aged 50years and above, we investigated the effect of a single moderator (total social network size) and two pairs of moderators separately (LGBT and non-LGBT social network size; size of social network members ≥50years old and <50years old) on the direct and indirect paths between stress and emotional wellbeing (depressive symptoms, loneliness), the indirect path being mediated by perceived social support. Results: Diminishing perceived social support partially mediated the association between stress and emotional wellbeing. Total social network size moderated both the direct and indirect association between stress and depressive symptoms but only moderated the indirect association between stress and loneliness. When social network size was grouped by LGBT identity and age, only social networks composed of LGBT and older members demonstrated moderation effects. Discussion and Implications: With relatable life experiences, LGBT older adults may feel more supported by similar others in their social networks in protecting against the negative association between stress and emotional wellbeing. These findings offer insights for the development of social network interventions to promote LGBT older adults’ health.