Abstract
This study examines the relationship between partner loss and depression among middle-aged and older adults in China. Using data from the 2014 CHARLS Life History Survey and 2015 Harmonized CHARLS, the study first analyzes whether experiencing the death of a spouse or cohabiting partner by 2014 is associated with CES-D depressive symptom scores in 2015. It then focuses on respondents with partner loss to examine whether age at first partner loss, child status at the time of loss, and re-partnering are associated with depression. OLS regression results show that partner loss is significantly associated with higher depressive symptom scores, even after controlling for age, gender, hukou status, and education. However, event-history characteristics do not remain stably significant within the partner-loss sample after controls are added. Heterogeneity analyses suggest stronger associations among women and variation across education groups. The findings highlight partner loss as a life course event embedded in family context and social position.