Table 5.
Coefficients from Regression Models Predicting Bridging in Older Adults’ Networks from Closeness to and Frequency of Contact with Network Members, and Network Composition
| Predictors | Brokerage potential (Negative binomial)a | Sole bridge status (Logistic)b |
|---|---|---|
| Age (divided by 10) | 3.175 (.027) | 1.045 (.107) |
| Female | 28.606*** (.040) | 1.637** (.269) |
| African-American | .984 (.055) | 1.176 (.203) |
| Latino | −10.693 (.110) | .878 (.219) |
| Education (ref = less than high school) | ||
| Graduated high school | −2.597 (.085) | .997 (.197) |
| Some college | 15.916 (.076) | 1.209 (.249) |
| College degree | 16.868* (.066) | .874 (.168) |
| Retired | −13.488** (.046) | .628** (.091) |
| Marital status (ref = married/partnered) | ||
| Separated/divorced | 26.239*** (.058) | 3.192*** (.579) |
| Widowed | 12.545 (.072) | 2.390*** (.421) |
| Never married | 14.546 (.105) | 2.616** (.897) |
| Closeness to network members | −12.658* (.053) | .615** (.098) |
| Frequency of interaction w/network members | −.384*** (.000) | .993*** (.001) |
| Kin composition | −50.218*** (.041) | .327*** (.032) |
| F (d.f.) | 98.03*** (14, 36) | 26.66*** (15, 35) |
*
p < .05,
**
p < .01,
***
p < .001 (two-tailed tests)
a
The total number of pairs of alters in the network is included as the exposure variable. Negative binomial coefficients are transformed to reflect percent change ([(exp b) − 1]100). Standard errors for the original coefficients are in parentheses.
b
Includes control for the number of alter-pairs in the network.