Social network characteristics are directly associated with health outcomes. Those with large, diverse, and dense networks characterized by frequent contact with network members, and networks composed of different types of ties have the greatest odds of gaining access to social support resources and ultimately tend to have better physical and mental health. However, the mechanisms linking these constructs are still unclear, likely in response to which types of social network characteristics, social support resources, and health outcomes have been examined. They also likely differ because of sex differences caused by gendered socialization processes, as well as limitations in opportunities to analyze the causality of these associations longitudinally over time. Using longitudinal data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), I examine social network constructs embedded within Structural Equation Models to investigate the mechanisms for which social network characteristics both directly and indirectly affect health outcomes—including depression, self-rated health, and functional health through various types of social net characteristics and opportunities to receive social support. Given gender differences in social network structures, preferences, and health outcomes, I further expose gender differences in these mechanisms. My findings indicate that the association between SNCs and health primarily occur indirectly. Emotional support mediates the association between SNCs and all health outcomes while HIS primarily mediates the association between SNCs and functional health. However, social support does not mediate the association between SNCs and health among women. Relative to men, women exhibit functional health benefits from direct exposure to network ties. The current research benefits those interested in understanding how to provide health benefiting support most optimally to men and women as they age.
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