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Xiaoling Xiang
Associate Professor of Social Work
Dr. Xiang's research is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of older adults, aiming for a state of complete physical, mental and social wellness. Her work spans two primary areas: fundamental social science research and applied intervention research.
In her fundamental research, Xiang investigates the interplay between physical functioning, disability, mental health and cognition. She has worked on over a dozen national surveys, including the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Her numerous publications frequently feature advanced statistical techniques such as different types of survival analysis, SEM, GLMMs and quasi-experimental methods.
In applied intervention research, Xiang focuses on developing and implementing digital mental health interventions for home- and community-based settings. A notable project in this area is Empower@Home, an innovative internet-delivered psychotherapy program specifically designed for older adults with depression. Xiang is currently the principal investigator of an NIMH-funded R01 project testing the real-world implementation effectiveness of Empower@Home for low-income older adults.
Additionally, Xiang is expanding her research to include the application of artificial intelligence. A recent example of this work is her study on ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic, published in the Journals of Gerontology. The study employs topic modeling and classification techniques to analyze tweets.
Xiang is available to mentor PhD students.
Research Interests/Focus
Aging and mental health, late-life depression, chronic disease, comorbidity, digital mental health intervention, implementation research and applied artificial intelligence.
Contact Information
| Phone | Room | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (734) 763-6581 | [email protected] | 3735 SSWB | University of Michigan School of Social Work 1080 S. University Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 |
Education
| Year | Degree | School | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | PhD | Social Work | University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign |
| 2015 | MSW | Macro | University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign |
| 2011 | MPhil | Social Welfare | Chinese University of Hong Kong, CHINA |
| 2009 | BA | Social Work and Sociology | Peking University, Beijing, CHINA |
News
- Ji, Y., Cho, J, & Xiang, X. (in press). Activity limitations and depression among middle-aged and older adults in China: The moderating impact of assistance adequacy. Journal of Gerontological Social Work.
- Kong D., Chen A., Zhang J., Xiang X., Lou V., Kwok T., & Wu B. (in press). Public discourse and sentiment toward dementia on Chinese social media: Findings from a machine learning analysis. JMIR Aging, 24(9).
- Xue J., Zhang , Zhao , Zhang , Zheng , Jiang , Li , Liu , Li , Fu , Peng , Logan , Zhang , & Xiang X. (in press). Evaluation of the current state of chatbots for digital health: A scoping review. JMIR.
- Xiang X., Kayser J., Turner S., Ash S., & Himle J. A. (2023). Layperson-supported, web-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 6, e47691.
- An R., Byron C., Chen C., & Xiang X. (2023). A field test of popular chatbots’ responses to questions concerning negative body image. Health Behavior Research.
- Kayser J., Wang X., Wu Z., Dimoj A., & Xiang X. (2023). Layperson-facilitated internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for homebound older adults with depression: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. JMIR Protocols.
- An R., Li D., & & Xiang X. (2023). Choline intake and cognitive function among US older adults. Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics.
- Ji Y. & Xiang X. (2023). The reciprocal relationship of physical capacity and mental health: A random intercept cross-lagged panel model analysis. Journal of Gerontologic Social Work.
- Xiang X., Kayser J., Turner S., & Zheng C. (2023). Layperson-supported internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for depression among older adults. Research on Social Work Practice.
- Xiang, X., Kayser, J., Ash, S., Zheng, C., Halavanau, A., Sun, Y., Xue, J., Weaver, A., Dunkle, R., Blackburn, J., & Himle, J. (2023). Web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression among older adults: Development and usability study. JMIR Aging.
- Kayser J., Hu R., Rosencruggs D., Li, L., & Xiang X. (2023). A systematic review of the impact of select mindfulness interventions on psychological outcomes in older adults with chronic health conditions. Clinical Gerontologist, 46(3), 302-314.
- Zhang N., Xiang X., Zhou S., Lui H., He Y., & Chen J. (2022). Physical activity intervention and posttraumatic growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 152, 110675.
- Himle, J. A., Weaver, A., Zhang, A., & Xiang, X. (2022). Digital mental health interventions for depression. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 29(1), 50-59.
- An, R., Zheng, J., & Xiang. X. (2022). Projecting the influence of sugar-sweetened beverage warning labels and restaurant menu labeling regulations on energy intake, weight status, and health care expenditures in US adults: A microsimulation. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 122(2), 334-344.
- Kileen O., Xiang X., Powell D., Reed N., Deal J., Swenor B., & Ehrlich J. (2022). Longitudinal associations of self-reported visual, hearing, and dual sensory difficulties with symptoms of depression among older adults in the United States. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 786244.
- Kang S., & Xiang X. (2022). Cognitive impairment as a barrier to utilizing health services among older adults. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 99, 104613.
- Xiang X., Cho J., Sun Y., & Wang X. (2022). Childhood adversity and cognitive impairment in later life. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 935254.
- Cho, J & Xiang, X. (2022). The relationship between volunteering and occurrence of loneliness among older adults: A longitudinal study with 12 years of follow up. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 66(5), 680-693.
- Xiang X., & Wang X. (2021). Childhood adversity and major depression in later life: A competing-risks regression analysis. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 36, 215-223.
- Weaver, A., Zhang, A., Xiang X., Felsman, P., Fischer, D. J., & Himle, J. A. (2021). Entertain Me Well: An entertaining, tailorable, online platform for delivering depression treatment. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 30(1), 96-115.
- An, R., Li, D., & Xiang, X. (2021). The role of theories in school-based diabetes care interventions: A critical review. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 9(18), 4709-4720.
- Yang, Y., & Xiang, X. (2021). Examine the associations between perceived neighborhood conditions, physical activity, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health and Place, 67, 102505.
- Kim M., & Xiang X. (2021). Hospitalization trajectories in home- and community-based services recipients: the influence of physician and social care density. Journal of Gerontology: Series B, 76, 1679-1690.
- Xiang X., Lu X., Halavanau A., Xue J., Sun Y., Lai P., & Wu Z. (2021). Modern senicide in the face of a pandemic: An examination of public discourse and sentiment about older adults and COVID-10 using machine learning. Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 76(4), e190-e200.
- Xiang X., Yang Y., Cheng J., & An R. (2021). The impact of late-life disability spectrum on depressive symptoms: A fixed-effects analysis of panel data. Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 76(4), 810-819.
- Xiang X., Kayser J., Sun Y., & Himle J. A. (2021). Internet-based psychotherapy intervention for depression among older adults receiving home care: Quality study of participants’ experiences. JMIR Aging, 4(4), e27630.
- Xiang, X., Sun, Y., Smith, S., Lai, P., & Himle. J. (2020). Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression: A feasibility study for homecare older adults. Research on Social Work Practice, 30(7), 791-801.
- Kang S., & Xiang, X. (2020). The influence of cognitive impairment on health behaviors among older adults. American Journal of Health Behavior, 44(2), 159-168.
- Nicklett, E., Chen, J., Xiang, X., Leah, A., Sonnega, A., Kimson, J., Cheng, J., & Assari, S. (2020). Associations between diagnosis with type 2 diabetes and changes in physical activity behaviors of middle-aged and older adults in the United States. Innovations in Aging, 4(1), igz048.
- Xiang, X. (2020). Seven-year trajectories of depressive symptoms and their predictors among older Americans. Journal of Aging and Health, 32(7-8), 795-806.
- Qin, W., Xiang, X., & Taylor, H. (2020). Driving cessation and social isolation in older adults. Journal of Aging and Health, 32(9), 962-971.
- Zuverink, A., & Xiang, X. (2020). Anxiety and unmet needs for assistance with daily activities among older adults. Journal of Aging and Health, 32(5-6), 491-500.
- Xiang, X., Cheng J., Zuverink, A., & Wang, X. (2020). Perceptions and practice behaviors regarding late-life depression among private duty home care workers: A mixed methods study. Aging and Mental Health, 24(11), 1904-1911.
- Xiang, X., Freedman, V., Shah K., Hu, R., Stagg, B., & Ehrlich, J. (2020). Self-reported vision impairment and subjective wellbeing in older adults: A longitudinal mediation analysis. Journal of Gerontology: Series A, 75(3), 589-595.
- Xiang, X., Chen, J., & Kim, M. (2020). Trajectories of homebound status in Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. The Gerontologist, 60(1), 101-111.
- Xiang, X., An, R., Kang, S., Stagg, B., & Ehrlich, J. (2020). Disability type, depression, and antidepressant use among older adults in the United States. Aging and Mental Health, 24(1), 27-34.
- Xiang X., Lai P., Bao L., Sun Y., Chen J., Dunkle R., & Maust D. (2020). Dual trajectories of social isolation and dementia in older adults: A population-based longitudinal study. Journal of Aging and Health, 33(1-2), 63-74.
- Xiang X., Ning Y., & Kayser J. (2020). The implications of COVID-19 for the mental health care of older adults: Insights from emergency department social workers. Journal of Gerontologic Social Work, 63(6-7), 662-664.
- Xiang, X., An, R., & Oh, H. (2020). The bidirectional relationship between depressive symptoms and homebound status among older adults. The Journal of Gerontology: Series B, 75(2), 357-366.
- An R, Kang H, Cao L, & Xiang X. (2020). Engagement in outdoor physical activity under ambient fine particulate matter pollution: a risk-benefit analysis. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 63(6-7), 662-664.
- Yang Y., Li S., Zhang K., Xiang X., Li Z., Ahn S., & Murphy J. (2020). How the daily smartphone is associated with daily travel, physical activity, and self-perceived health: evidence from 2017 National Household Travel Survey. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 1-9.
- An R., Xiang X., Xu N., & Shen J. (2020). Influence of grandparental childcare on childhood obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Childhood Obesity, 16(3), 141-153.
- Chen, J., Xiang, X., Lee, J., Chen C., He, Y., & Lou, W. (2020). Physical activity and posttraumatic growth: A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 49, 101679.
- An, R., Qiu, Y., Xiang, X., Ji, M., & Guan, C. (2019). Impact of hurricane Katrina on mental health among U.S. adults. American Journal of Health Behavior, 43(6), 1186-1199.
- Xiang, X. & Cheng, J. (2019). Trajectories of major depression in middle-aged and older adults: A population-based study. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 34(10), 1506-1514.
- Xiang, X., Randall, O., Langi, F., Yamaki, K., Mitchell, D., Heller, T., Karmarkar, A., French, D., & Jordan, N. (2019). Impacts of an integrated Medicaid managed care program for adults with behavioral health conditions: The experience of Illinois. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 46(1), 44-53.
- Frank, C., Xiang, X., Stagg, B., & Ehrlich, J. (2019). Longitudinal associations of self-reported vision impairment with symptoms of anxiety and depression among older adults in the United States. JAMA Ophthalmology, 137(7), 793-800.
- Xiang, X., Wu, S., Zuverink, A., Tomasino, K. N., An, R., & Himle, J. (2019). Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapies for late-life depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Aging and Mental Health, 24(8), 1196-1206.
- Xiang, X., Zuverink, A., Rosenberg, W., & Mahmoudi, E. (2019). Social work-based transitional care intervention for super utilizers of medical care: A retrospective analysis of the Bridge Model for Super Utilizers. Social Work in Health Care, 58(1), 126-141.
- Brooks, J. M., Deiches, J., Xiang, X., Batsis, J., Chan, F., DiMilia, P., Chiu, C., Thompson, K., & Bartels, S. (2018). Differences in self-reported physical activity, exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectancies, and health status by body mass index groups in people with chronic pain. Journal of Rehabilitation, 84(4), 46-52.
- Xiang, X., Kang, S., & Lee, W. (2018). Serious psychological distress as a barrier to dental care in community-dwelling adults in the United States. Social Welfare Policy and Practice, 4(1), 75-101.
- Zhan, M., & Xiang, X. (2018). Education loans and asset building among Black and Hispanic young adults. Children and Youth Services Review, 91, 121-127.
- Xiang, X., Leggett, A., Himle, J. A., & Kales, H. (2018). Major depression and subthreshold depression among older adults receiving home care. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 26(9), 939-949.
- Larrison, C. R., Xiang, X., Gustafson, M., Lardiere, M. R., & Jordan, N. (2018). Implementation of electronic health records among community mental health agencies. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 45(1), 133-142.
- An, R., Xiang, X., Liu, J, & Guan, G. (2018). Diet and self-rated health among oldest-old Chinese. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 76, 125-132.
- Xiang, X., Robinson-Lane S., Rosenberg, W., & Alvarez, R. (2018). Implementing and sustaining evidence-based practice in health care: The Bridge Model experience. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 61(3), 280-294.
- Xiang, X., An, R., & Heinemann, A. (2018). Depression and unmet needs for assistance with daily activities among community-dwelling older adults. The Gerontologist, 58(3), 428-437.
- Xiang, X., Danilovich, M., K., Tomasino, K. N. & Jordan, N. (2018). Depression prevalence and treatment among older home health services users in the United States. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 75, 151-157.
- Zhan M., Xiang X., & Elliott W. (2018). How much is too much: Educational loans and college graduation. Educational Policy, 32(7), 993-1017.
- Danilovich, M., Xiang, X., & Pinto, D. (2017). Factors that influence self-reported health changes with caregiving. Journal of Aging and Health, 29(8), 1444-1458.
- Xiang, X. & Brooks, J. (2017). Correlates of depressive symptoms among homebound and semi-homebound older adults. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 60(3), 201-214.
- Kang. S. & Xiang, X. (2017). Physical activity and health services utilization and costs among U.S. adults. Preventive Medicine, 96, 101-105.
- Larrison C. R., Xiang X., Gustafson M., Lardiere M. R., & Jordan N. (2017). Implementation of electronic health records among community mental health agencies. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research.
- An, R. & Xiang, X. (2016). Age-period-cohort analyses of obesity prevalence in U.S. adults. Public Health, 141, 163-169.
- Xiang, X. (2016). Chronic disease diagnosis as a teachable moment for health behavior changes among middle-aged and older adults. Journal of Aging and Health, 29(6), 995-1015.
- Xiang, X. (2016). History of major depression as a barrier to health behavior changes after a chronic disease diagnosis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 85, 12-18.
- Xiang, X., Larrison, C. R., & Tabb, K. (2016). Trends in health care utilization among adults with serious psychological distress: 2003-2014. Psychiatric Services, 67(7), 743-748.
- An, R., Xiang, X., Yang, Y., & Yan, H. (2016). Mapping the prevalence of physical inactivity in U.S. States, 1984-2015. PLOS ONE.
- Zhan, M., Xiang, X., & Elliott, W. (2016). Education loans and wealth building among young adults. Children and Youth Services Review, 66, 67-75.
- Xiang, X., Hernandez, R., & Larrison, C. R. (2015). Provider advice on exercise and diet among adults with comorbid serious psychological distress and diabetes or diabetes risk factors. The Diabetes Educator, 41(2), 185-193.
- Xiang, X., Lee, W., & Kang, S. (2015). Serious psychological distress as a barrier to dental care in community-dwelling adults in the United States. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 75(2), 134-141.
- Xiang, X., An, R., & Gehlert, S. (2015). Trends in antidepressant use among cancer survivors in the US: 1999-2012. Psychiatric Services, 66(6), 564.
- An, R. & Xiang, X. (2015). Smoking, heavy drinking, and depression among U.S. middle-aged and older Adults. Preventive Medicine, 81, 295-302.
- Xiang, X., & An, R. (2015). The impact of cognitive impairment and comorbid depression on disability, health care utilization, and costs. Psychiatric Services, 66, 1245-1248.
- Xiang, X., & An, R. (2015). Body weight status and onset of cognitive impairment among U.S. middle-aged and older adults. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 60(3), 394-400.
- An, R. & Xiang, X. (2015). Social vulnerability and leisure-time physical inactivity among U.S. adults. American Journal of Health Behavior, 39(6), 751-760.
- Xiang, X., & An, R. (2015). Depression and onset of cardiovascular disease in the U.S. middleaged and older adults. Aging and Mental Health, 19(2), 1084-1092.
- An, R. & Xiang, X. (2015). Ambient fine particulate matter air pollution and leisure-time physical inactivity in U.S. adults. Public Health, 129(12), 1637-1644.
- An, R. & Xiang, X. (2015). Social vulnerability and obesity among U.S. adults. International Journal of Health Sciences, 3(3), 7-21.
- Xiang, X., & An, R. (2015). Obesity and onset of depression among U.S. middle-aged and older adults. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 78, 242-248.
- Xiang, X. (2015). Serious psychological distress as a barrier to cancer screening among women. Women's Health Issues, 25(1), 49-55.