Changmin Peng1, Jeffrey A Burr1, Dong Yang2, Nan Lu3. 1. 14708University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA. 2. 91614Yibin University, Sichuan, China. 3. 12471Renmin University of China, Beijing, China.
Abstract
Objectives: Framed within a life course perspective and cognitive reserve theory, this study examined the mediating role of educational attainment for the association between child-parent relationships during childhood and cognitive function among older adults in rural China. Methods: Data were obtained from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 9809). We employed latent growth curve modeling to test the association among early child-parent relationship quality, educational attainment, and cognitive function in later life. Results: Early child-mother relationship quality was associated with the level and change in cognitive function. Early child-father relationship quality was only related to baseline cognitive function. Educational attainment mediated the relationship between early child-parent relationship quality with mothers and fathers and cognitive function. Discussion: Parental relationship experience in childhood was one distal factor related to cognitive function among older adults. The findings supported the long-term impacts of childhood conditions for later life health consequences.
Objectives: Framed within a life course perspective and cognitive reserve theory, this study examined the mediating role of educational attainment for the association between child-parent relationships during childhood and cognitive function among older adults in rural China. Methods: Data were obtained from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 9809). We employed latent growth curve modeling to test the association among early child-parent relationship quality, educational attainment, and cognitive function in later life. Results: Early child-mother relationship quality was associated with the level and change in cognitive function. Early child-father relationship quality was only related to baseline cognitive function. Educational attainment mediated the relationship between early child-parent relationship quality with mothers and fathers and cognitive function. Discussion: Parental relationship experience in childhood was one distal factor related to cognitive function among older adults. The findings supported the long-term impacts of childhood conditions for later life health consequences.
Entities:
Keywords:
China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study; brain health; child development; intergenerational relationships; life course perspective