Self-neglect, anxiety and depression among empty nesters in China: A network analysis

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that anxiety and depression are important factors affecting self-neglect among empty nesters and are a prerequisite for the occurrence of self-neglect. However, there is still little data on the potential mechanism of influence between anxiety, depression and self-neglect. This study aimed to construct a network structure to investigate the connections between self-neglect, anxiety and depression in Chinese empty nesters, identifying core and bridge symptoms in the network and analyze the mechanisms that influence their connection. We analyzed data from 4985 empty nesters aged 60 and above in the CLHLS 2017–2018. Questionnaire items were selected to assess self-neglect, while depression and anxiety were measured using the CESD-10 and GAD-7 scales. Network analysis was conducted using R software to explore the relationships between self-neglect, anxiety, and depression. Network analysis identified central nodes (e.g., GAD2, CESD3) and bridge nodes (e.g., SN1, GAD1, CESD1) that link self-neglect, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Central symptoms (e.g., uncontrollable worry, felt sadness) and key bridge symptoms (e.g., lifestyle, nervousness or anxiety, bother by things) could serve as intervention targets for empty nesters experiencing self-neglect, anxiety, and depression.