The Relationship of Social Engagement and Social Support With Sense of Community.

Background: We aimed to investigate the relationship of engagement in social and cognitive activities and social support with the sense of community (SOC) and its components among older Chinese Americans.

Methods: The Sense of Community Index (SCI) was used to measure SOC and its four component factors: membership, influence, needs fulfillment, and emotional connection. Social engagement was assessed with 16 questions. Social support included positive support and negative strain. Principal component analysis was used to identify the SCI components. Linear regression analysis was used to detect the contribution of social engagement and social support to SOC and its components.

Results: After controlling for sociodemographics and self-rated health, social activity engagement and positive social support were positively related to SOC and its components.

Conclusions: This study points to the importance of social activity engagement and positive support from family and friends in increasing the sense of community.