Ambivalent close ties and cognitive functioning: Does coping play a role?
Colette J Brown, Karen S Rook, Susan T Charles, Karen L FingermanAbstract
Background and Objectives
Close relationships that are characterized by both positive and negative qualities (i.e., ambivalent ties) are common in later life and often give rise to interpersonal tensions with deleterious consequences for well-being. However, little is known about their effect on cognitive health. These effects may depend on seldom-studied interpersonal coping strategies that may either stimulate or deplete cognitive resources. This study tested whether ambivalent ties relate to lower cognitive functioning among older adults, and whether interpersonal coping strategies moderate these associations.
Research Design and Methods
As part of the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study (DEWS), participants (N = 271, ages 65-89) completed an in-person baseline interview assessing positive and negative qualities of their close social relationships and overall cognitive functioning (composite of four tests), followed by a self-administered questionnaire assessing three interpersonal coping strategies (engaged, avoidant, destructive).
Results
Linear regression models revealed that a greater proportion of ambivalent ties was associated with worse overall cognitive functioning, but this association was not moderated by any interpersonal coping strategy. Sensitivity analyses of the separate cognitive tests revealed, unexpectedly, that greater use of engaged coping strengthened the association between ambivalent ties and worse executive functioning performance.
Discussion and Implications
A greater proportion of ambivalent ties in one’s social network is associated with lower cognitive functioning among older adults, a link that may not easily be buffered through coping. Results suggest that ambivalent ties are an understudied important potential risk factor for adverse cognitive outcomes in later life.