The Effects of Changes in Family Social Capital on Health in Taiwan: An Examination of the Mediation Effect of Smoking Behavior

This study assesses the direct effect of changes in family social capital (FSC) on self-rated health (SRH) and its indirect effect through changes in smoking behavior. This study uses logistic regression and mediation analysis models to analyze the longitudinal data on 2,108 adult children in Taiwan. The findings show that respondents who maintain good relations with parents have a lower likelihood of poor SRH. The results find stable smoking exerting a detrimental effect on health. There is no evidence for the mediation effect of changes in smoking on the relationship between changes in FSC and SRH because of most of the insignificant relationships between changes in FSC and smoking. Health policy makers aiming to promote health and reduce the prevalence of smoking should understand the importance of a reciprocal relationship and the weak effects of FSC on smoking.