Social Relations Across Race/Ethnic Groups and Links to Cognitive Health

Abstract

Objective

Social relations are considered a critical protective factor for cognitive health yet may differ in form and function across race and ethnic groups.

Method

Using a representative metro-Detroit sample (N = 606), we compared group means to (1) test whether Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans social relations are distinct from other groups and (2) examine links between social relations and cognitive health using structural equation models.

Results

MENA Americans’ social relations differed from White and Black Americans. Larger networks and more positive relationship quality were associated with better cognitive health across all groups but particularly among MENA Americans. A lower proportion of women in networks was associated with better cognitive health for White Americans.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the form and function of social relations vary across racial and ethnic groups. Such knowledge is critical in clarifying how social networks may be leveraged to promote cognitive health across groups.

Keywords

cognitive health Middle Eastern and North African (MENA)race/ethnic differences social relations

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