Intergenerational Social Pathways to Health: A Moderated Mediation Analysis on the Role of Social Networks in the Association between Filial Unemployment and Parental Health

Julia Schröders , Umeå University
Erika Sandow, Department of Geography, Umeå University
Anna Baranowska-Rataj , Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research, Umeå University

Background: Despite increasing advocacy for a ‘linked lives’ research agenda, only few studies examined the diffusion of health effects among vertical family ties and fewer investigated upward effects from children to parents. The aim of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of intergenerational social pathways to health and the diffusion of intergenerational socio-economic inequalities in health by examining the mediating role of social networks in the under-researched ‘filial unemployment – parental health’ relationship in a Northern Swedish context. Methods: Parents’ health- and social network-related information will be sourced from the Västerbotten Intervention Program (VIP). Additional microdata will be drawn from linked Swedish administrative registers. Independent variables include filial labor market situations and filial labor market trajectories up to one year prior to their parents’ participation in VIP. Applying a wide outcome epidemiological approach, we include a clinical diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, health-related quality of life, and a range of lifestyle behaviours. Our main statistical approach will be guided by causal mediation analysis and conditional process modelling. Network size, network size satisfaction, and perceptions of received support from a close confidant inside and outside the family circle will be included as mediators. Expected Results: We expect filial unemployment and exposure to prolonged and/or repeated unemployment periods to negatively – yet differentially- affect the three parental health outcomes. Further, we anticipate significant mediating effects of the parental social network on the relationship between filial unemployment and parental health outcomes but expect these effects to differ in size and directionality.

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 Presented in Session 76. Families, health, and healthcare