The Independent and Interactive Effects of Networks of Family and Friends on Mental Distress in Older Korean Americans

Social networks are vital supports for older adults, yet the interactive roles of family and friend networks remain understudied. Drawing on social compensation theory, this study examined the independent and interactive associations with mental distress among older Korean Americans ( N = 1,924). Multivariate regression showed that family (B = −.12, p < .001) and friend networks (B = −.12, p < .001) were independently associated with mental distress. A significant interaction (B = .02, p < .01) indicated that the association between family network size and distress varied by friend network size. Family networks were associated with lower distress only among those with limited friend networks (B = −.225, p < .001), not those with robust friend networks (B = −.055, p = .108). This pattern is consistent with a compensatory perspective, although the cross-sectional design does not establish an actual compensatory process. Interventions should foster diverse social connections to promote well-being.