Who needs What Support? Exploring the relationship between intergenerational support and digital media use among Chinese older adults: A latent profile analysis

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that intergenerational support can help mitigate the digital divide challenges faced by older adults. Guided by the framework of intergenerational solidarity and conflict, this study investigated the heterogeneity of intergenerational support among older individuals and their relationship with digital media usage patterns. Utilizing data from the China Longitudinal Aging and Social Survey (CLASS), which provides biennial data from 2018 to 2020 on 8703 older adults, the study employs longitudinal methods and latent profile analysis (LPA). The analysis identified five distinct intergenerational support profiles: Well Supported, Lack of Instrumental Support, Slight Lack of Emotional Support, Severe Lack of Emotional Support, and Doubly Disadvantaged. The findings indicate that lacking instrumental and emotional support to varying degrees was associated with lower frequency, constant use, and purposeful use of digital media. Additionally, the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of both older adults and their adult children were also closely associated with the nature and effectiveness of intergenerational support. This research highlights the importance of understanding diverse intergenerational support profiles and their relationship with digital media engagement. Theoretically, it enriches the understanding of the heterogeneity of intergenerational relationships within the Chinese family context.