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Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between quantity, quality, and composition of social networks and depressive symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults.

Methods: Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE) (N = 3,157), a study of Chinese older adults aged 60 and above in Chicago. We assessed quantitative (network size and volume of contact), qualitative (emotional closeness), and composition (proportion kin, proportion female and proportion coresident) aspects of social networks. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Negative binomial and logistic regressions were conducted.

Results: Older adults who had three to five network members with strong ties, a medium level of contact, and a high level of emotional closeness were less likely to experience depression than their counterparts. Quantitative and qualitative …