A latent profile analysis of 2-way social support among migrant older adults

Growing evidence highlights the importance of both receiving and giving social support for older adults. However, research on 2-Way social support, particularly its heterogeneity among migrant older adults, remains limited. This study aims to identify latent profiles of 2-Way social support in this population and examine associated factors. Three hundred fifty-nine migrant older adults were involved and data were collected using structured questionnaires, including the Brief 2-Way Social Support Scale, the Social Convoy Questionnaire, the Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory Brief Version, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, and a Health Survey. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify latent subgroups of 2-Way social support, and R3STEP multinomial logistic regression to examine the associated factors. The LPA identified four distinct profiles of 2-Way social support: Deficient 2-Way social support (15.6%), Mild support-receiving tendency (25.6%), Slight support-giving tendency (44.8%), and Balanced 2-Way social support (14.0%). Multinomial logistic regression revealed that age, marital status, education level, neuroticism, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness were associated with profile membership. This study identified heterogeneity in 2-Way social support among migrant older adults and showed that imbalances between receiving and giving support were common. These findings may inform tailored interventions to promote more balanced support exchanges and healthy aging among migrant older adults.