Loneliness and Depression: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Social Strain in Older Adults with Diabetes

Sep 29, 2026

Study data from 379 older adults with diabetes examined how loneliness relates to depression and whether perceived social strain mediates this association. Multi-item questionnaire measures assessed loneliness, social strain, and depression. Bivariate analyses and macro PROCESS in SPSS tested pathways between variables. Findings showed a positive direct effect of loneliness on depression and a positive indirect effect via perceived social strain, indicating partial mediation. Targeting loneliness and negative perceptions or interactions linked to social strain may reduce depression.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study Focus

Mediation Findings

Implications for Interventions

FAQs

What was the study’s primary goal?

To examine the relationship between loneliness and depression in older adults with diabetes and to test the mediating role of perceived social strain.

How were loneliness, social strain, and depression measured and analyzed?

They were assessed with a multi-item survey questionnaire, then analyzed using bivariate analysis and macro PROCESS in SPSS.

What did mediation analysis show about loneliness and depression?

Loneliness had a positive direct effect on depression and a positive indirect effect through perceived social strain, indicating partial mediation.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by River Wang