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Loneliness as a pathway to immigrant health decline: a longitudinal mediation analysis in Germany

Author

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  • Songyun Shi

    (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany)

  • Silvia Loi

    (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany)

Abstract

Objectives Despite often having better health at arrival, and at young ages, there is evidence that immigrants age at a faster pace than non-immigrants over the life course. One potential mediator in the relationship between migration background and health deterioration is loneliness. This study examines the direct impact of migration-related factors on mental and physical health trajectories, as well as their indirect effects through loneliness in the German context. Methods Using data from the 2012–2020 German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), we apply a parallel process latent growth curve model (PPM) with mediation analysis to examine the long-term impact of migration background and age at migration on physical and mental health trajectories. We also explore the mediating role of loneliness in this relationship. The analysis is stratified by gender. Results Loneliness fully mediates the relationship between migration background and mental health, as immigrants are more likely to experience loneliness, which in turn leads to worse mental health. Immigrants who moved to Germany after age 18 are more likely to experience loneliness, resulting in poorer mental health. This mechanism is particularly pronounced among women. Discussion Loneliness contributes to mental health disparities between immigrants and non-immigrants. Women who migrated after age 18 are particularly vulnerable. This study presents an innovative approach to examining the mechanisms behind health disparities by migration background. Interventions targeted at reducing loneliness may help to reduce health disparities between immigrants and non-immigrants.

Suggested Citation

  • Songyun Shi & Silvia Loi, 2025. "Loneliness as a pathway to immigrant health decline: a longitudinal mediation analysis in Germany," MPIDR Working Papers WP-2025-015, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:dem:wpaper:wp-2025-015
    DOI: 10.4054/MPIDR-WP-2025-015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cassio Turra & Irma Elo, 2008. "The Impact of Salmon Bias on the Hispanic Mortality Advantage: New Evidence from Social Security Data," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 27(5), pages 515-530, October.
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    3. Yuriy Nesterko & Carmen Meiwes Turrión & Michael Friedrich & Heide Glaesmer, 2019. "Trajectories of health-related quality of life in immigrants and non-immigrants in Germany: a population-based longitudinal study," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 64(1), pages 49-58, January.
    4. Alberto Palloni & Elizabeth Arias, 2004. "Paradox lost: Explaining the hispanic adult mortality advantage," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 41(3), pages 385-415, August.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Germany; longitudinal analysis; mental health; migrants;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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