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Dyadic Trajectories of Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Couples

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12440792
AutoresDexia Kong (0000-0002-2512-0143, Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong ,), Xiaomin Li (0000-0003-4488-0356, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hong Kong ,), Yaxin Lan (0000-0002-7625-3843, Shanghai University), Emma Zang (0000-0002-5700-3179, Yale University)
EditoresNekehia T Quashie (0000-0002-2654-1150, (Social Sciences Section))
Año2025
Volumen80
Número7
Fecha de publicación2025-04-25
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaThe Journals of Gerontology Series B (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1079-5014 • E-ISSN: 1758-5368
EditorialOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/geronb/gbaf063
PMID40275774
OpenAlexW4409821860
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas52

Objectives Our study is among the first to analyze the developmental trajectories of cognitive function at the couple level. Methods Using longitudinal dyadic data obtained from 2,130 heterosexual couples who participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study between 2011 and 2020, we employed the dyadic latent growth curve model to analyze the developmental trajectories of wives’ and husbands’ cognitive function from 2011 to 2018. We examined the significant predictors of membership of the latent profiles, as well as the extent to which membership of the latent profiles predicted husbands’ and wives’ depressive symptoms at follow-up (i.e., in 2018 and 2020). Results The two identified dyadic profiles reflected distinct developmental trajectories at the couple level: high stable couples with outperforming husbands (Profile 1, 81.6% of couples), and moderate stable wives—moderate rapid decline husbands (Profile 2, 18.4% of couples). Husbands’ older age and higher number of functional limitations, and couples’ residence in rural areas at baseline predicted a higher likelihood of membership in Profile 2. Husbands reporting more chronic conditions at baseline predicted a lower likelihood of the couple being classified in Profile 2. Couples in Profile 2 exhibited higher levels of depression symptoms than their counterparts in Profile 1 in 2018 and 2020. Discussion Our results highlight the utility of a couple approach in analyzing the developmental trajectories of cognitive functioning in later life and advance our understanding of how couple-level changes exert influence on both spouses’ mental health

Cognition · Depression (economics · Developmental psychology · Health and Retirement Study · Latent growth modeling · Longitudinal data · Longitudinal study · Psychiatry · Health disparities and outcomes · Identity, Memory, and Therapy · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Medicine · Psychology · Clinical Psychology · Demography · Gerontology