A prevailing view exists in the literature that having a variety of relationship types (i.e., diverse social ties) is more consequential for health and activity than the sheer number of social ties. Empirical tests of that claim are relatively scarce, however, and relationship quality is rarely taken into account. The current study contrasted the implications of number and diversity of positive, as well as ambivalent, social ties for functional limitations and leisure activity in later life. Participants (N = 874) were part of the Later Life Study of Social Exchanges (LLSSE), a longitudinal study of a nationally representative sample of older adults ages 65 to 91 (M = 74.12 years old, SD = 6.64). Baseline data from in-person interviews were examined in a series of hierarchical regression models. Number of ties was a more consistent predictor of functional limitations than was diversity of ties (albeit in opposite directions for positive and ambivalent ties), but they did not significantly differ in terms of magnitude. Number of positive ties was a significantly stronger predictor of leisure activity compared to diversity of positive ties, whereas ambivalent ties were not related to leisure activity. Contrary to prevailing views, these findings suggest that variety is not necessarily more important than quantity. Rather, a greater number of positive social ties may be most important for older adults’ health and activity.

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.