Perceived reciprocity in social exchange and health functioning in early old age: prospective findings from the GAZEL study.

OBJECTIVES To assess prospectively the effects of perceived non-reciprocity of exchange in three different types of social engagement on health functioning in early old age. METHODS In the frame of the prospective French GAZEL cohort study, data on reciprocity in three types of role-related social engagement (principal regular activity in everyday life, marital role relationship, trusting relationships in civic life) were collected from 8679 men and 2742 women (mean age: 60.4 years) in 2005. Two years later, health functioning was assessed using the SF-36 mental and physical component scores, as well as self-perceived health. Multivariate regressions were calculated, controlling for important confounders including baseline self-perceived health. RESULTS Consistent effects of perceived non-reciprocity in all three types of social exchange on mental and physical health functioning were observed. After adjustment for relevant confounders including baseline self-perceived, health effects were attenuated, but largely remained significant. CONCLUSIONS Findings underline the importance of the quality of social exchange (reciprocity vs. non-reciprocity) for health functioning in early old age.