UC Irvine

Relationships that are sources of both positive and negative experiences (i.e., ambivalent ties) are understudied, and findings are mixed regarding their influence on health. This dissertation, accordingly, examined whether exposure to ambivalent ties differentially relates to health outcomes depending on how it is operationalized (Study 1), whether the link between ambivalent ties and cognitive functioning is moderated by interpersonal coping (Study 2), and whether the daily coupling of ambivalent ties and health limitations is moderated by affect valuation (Study 3). Community-dwelling older adults in the greater Austin, Texas area (N = 333 at baseline, ages 65-92 years old) completed an in-person interview at baseline, followed by a self-administered questionnaire (returned by mail), and 5-6 days of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys. Findings revealed that the proportion of ambivalent ties in one’s total network was the best operationalization of exposure to ambivalent ties in the current dataset (Study 1); ambivalent ties were related to poor cognitive functioning, a link not readily buffered by coping strategies (Study 2); and the daily coupling of ambivalent ties and health limitations was buffered by affect valuation (Study 3). Implications for models of ambivalent ties and health, as well as practical implications for older adults’ health and well-being, are discussed.