Factors Mitigate the Effect of Widowhood's Mental Health Impact: A Longitudinal Test From Individual, Familial, and Social Perspectives

Although widowhood has been considered a significant risk factor for mental health, the duration of its effects and the potential mitigating factors involved in this relationship remain inadequately understood among Chinese older adults. This study investigates the longitudinal relationship between widowhood and depression and examines the interaction effects of health asymmetry, the number of children, and urban-rural differences from individual, familial, and social perspectives. A sample of 9,563 individuals for the four rounds period (from 2011 to 2018) is obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Results demonstrate that (a) the depression associated with widowhood is expected to revert to prewidowhood level after 3 years, (b) the relationship between widowhood and depression is stronger for older adults who are health pessimists compared to those who are health optimists, (c) the relationship between widowhood and depression is stronger for older adults with fewer children compared to those with more children, and (d) the relationship between widowhood and depression is stronger for older adults living in rural areas than those living in urban areas. These findings are essential for policymakers and practitioners working with widowed older adults. Public Policy Relevance Statement Widowhood poses a substantial challenge for Chinese older adults, with postwidowhood depression typically reverting to prewidowhood levels within 3 years. This effect is more pronounced among older adults with a pessimistic view of health, fewer children, and rural residence. Enhancing the psychological well-being of widowed seniors necessitates policy and intervention development, focused on fostering positive self-health perceptions, strengthening familial bonds, and undertaking hukou system reforms.