Social Networks Reshape the Impact of Elder Abuse on Social Well-Being - Examining Urban-Rural Disparities in China

Sep 29, 2026

Examining how elder abuse affects social well-being through the lens of contextual theory, this study tests relationships among individual, relational, community, and societal contexts using nationally longitudinal data from 7,125 adults aged 60+ from the 2018 and 2020 China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey. Social network changes and 2020 social well-being are regressed on 2018 elder abuse experience. Results show victims report better social well-being two years later than non-reporters, with rural improvements linked to reduced contact and emotional networks. Urban victims show associations with larger instrumental networks and improved social well-being.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study design and data

Key findings for rural victims

Key findings for urban victims

Implications

FAQs

What theory guides the study of elder abuse and social well-being?

The study uses contextual theory, emphasizing that elder abuse results from interactions across individual, relational, community, and societal contexts.

What dataset and time points are used to test the theory?

Nationally longitudinal data are drawn from 7,125 older adults (aged 60+) in the 2018 and 2020 China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey.

How do rural and urban elder abuse victims differ in social well-being outcomes?

Rural victims show improved social well-being linked to reduced contact and emotional networks, while urban victims show improved well-being associated with expanded instrumental networks.

Sep 29, 2026

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