The multiple mediating effect of family health and perceived social support on depressive symptoms in older adults: A cross-sectional national survey in China

The mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between family health and depression or anxiety under varying living status

BACKGROUND

Existing research has examined the link between family health and mental health outcomes like depression and anxiety, but the mechanisms are unclear. Sleep quality may play a mediating role, and the effects of family health on mental health can differ based on living arrangements, which influence experiences and social support. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between family health and depression or anxiety across diverse living statuses.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2023 in five regions of China, including Guangdong Province, Guangxi Province, Jiangsu Province, Sichuan Province, and Macao Special Administrative Region. Family health was assessed using the Short Form of the Family Health Scale, while sleep quality was measured using the Self-Rating Scale of Sleep. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the mediating effect of sleep quality on the relationship between family health and mental health outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential variations in the mediating role of sleep quality across different living status.

RESULTS

This study sample comprised 4918 participants, with a mean age of 30.1 years (SD = 12.6). The direct effect analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between family health and symptoms of depression (β = -0.216, p < 0.001) or anxiety (β = -0.199, p < 0.001). The mediation analysis results revealed that family health had a significant indirect effect on symptoms of depression (β = -0.040, p < 0.001) or anxiety (β = -0.050, p < 0.001) through sleep quality. Specifically, both the living with family group and the living in a shared accommodation group showed a significant mediation effect of sleep quality in the relationship between family health and mental health outcomes. However, the living alone group did not show a significant mediation role.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep quality mediated the relationship between family health and symptoms of depression or anxiety, with significant effects in those living with family or in shared accommodations, but not those living alone. These findings underscore the importance of considering living status when examining mental health outcomes and developing interventions.

The chain mediating role of social support and positive coping between neuroticism and depressive symptoms among graduate students

Introduction

Graduate students face unprecedented levels of neuroticism and pressure compared to their peers. Despite existing research examining the connection between neuroticism and depressive symptoms, a gap in the current understanding of the mediating mechanisms that act on this relationship, especially among this specific student population.

Methods

This study investigated the potential chain-mediating roles of social support and positive coping in the relationship between neuroticism and depressive symptoms among graduate students. The participants were 1845 graduate students who provided demographic information and complete assessments including the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Depression Rating Scale (BDI-II), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). The analysis involved correlational analysis and a chain mediation model was used to investigate the associations among neuroticism, social support, positive coping mechanisms, and depressive symptoms.

Results

The results show significant correlations among neuroticism, depressive symptoms, social support, and positive coping. Moreover, our findings verify that neuroticism affects depressive symptoms in graduate students through three pathways: the mediating effect of social support, the mediating effect of positive coping, and the chain-mediating effect of social support and positive coping.

Discussion

Overall, the hypothesized chain model conclusively fits the data: Neuroticism directly affects depressive symptoms among graduate students and influences depressive symptoms through the mediating effects of social support and positive coping, as well as the chain mediating effects of these two variables.

Self-neglect as a mediator between family functioning and healthy aging in older adults living alone in rural China: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the mediating role of self-neglect among older adults in the relationship between family functioning and healthy aging.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted between June and September 2023, involving 255 older adults living alone in rural China. The healthy ageing, self-neglect, and family functioning was assessed using the Healthy Aging Instrument;the Elderly Self-neglect Assessment (Rural);and Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) scale.

RESULTS

Positive correlations were found between family functioning and healthy aging (r = 0.363, p < 0.05). Moreover, self-neglect was identified as a significant mediator, explaining 40.84 % of the total effect.

CONCLUSION

Among older adults living alone in rural China, family functioning is significantly associated with healthy aging, with self-neglect mediating this relationship. These findings suggest that community-based interventions aimed at improving family functioning and addressing self-neglect behaviors might be beneficial for promoting healthy aging in this population.

Mapping the terrain: a scoping review of empirical studies on the big five personality traits and QoL in China

The relationship between personality traits and Quality of Life (QoL) has garnered increasing scholarly attention, particularly within the context of China. This scoping review synthesizes existing literature on the connection between the Big Five personality traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) and QoL among the Chinese population. The review explores correlations, measurement instruments, and theoretical frameworks employed in these studies. The study's significance lies in the profound implications for healthcare policies, organizational behavior, and social welfare programs in China, where rapid social and economic changes impact well-being. Investigating personality traits' impact on QoL can inform tailored interventions benefiting diverse Chinese subpopulations. This review addresses three primary research questions: (1) How do the Big Five personality traits correlate with QoL in different Chinese subpopulations, and what are the mediating or moderating factors? (2) What instruments assess these traits and QoL in the Chinese cultural context, and how are they validated? (3) What theoretical or disciplinary frameworks guide this research in China? Following a systematic PRISMA-ScR framework and a customized "C-BFQLC" protocol, the study identified 170 relevant documents. After rigorous screening, ten studies met the inclusion criteria, constituting 5.03% of the initial records. This scoping review critically examines the interplay between the Big Five personality traits and QoL in China, a context marked by rapid socioeconomic changes and cultural diversity. Employing a systematic approach guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework and our unique 'C-BFQLC' protocol, we meticulously analyzed 170 documents, selecting nine that met our rigorous inclusion criteria. Despite the emerging nature of this research area in the Chinese context, our study reveals significant insights into how individual personality traits influence various dimensions of well-being. The implications of these findings are profound, extending beyond academic discourse to inform healthcare policies, organizational behavior, and social welfare programs in China. Our review not only offers a comprehensive synthesis of the current research landscape but also identifies critical gaps in the literature. It emphasizes the urgent need for further culturally nuanced research to understand the complex dynamics of personality traits and QoL in China. This work lays a foundational framework for future investigations and the development of tailored interventions aimed at enhancing the well-being of diverse Chinese populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and specific occupational groups.

Inter-relationships of obesity-related eating behavior with depression and anxiety among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A network analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted individuals' mental health, resulting in a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and changes in eating behaviors. The objective of this study is to examine the inter-relationships among obesity-related eating behavior, depression, and anxiety in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing a network analysis method. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among a representative sample of 9091 adults between July 10 and September 15, 2021. Participants completed self-report measures to assess obesity-related eating behavior and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Network analysis was employed to investigate the inter-relationships among these variables. The network analysis revealed that item 2 (i.e., Do not feel satisfied unless I eat until full) exhibited the highest node strength within the network, followed by item 5 (i.e., Like oily foods). In addition, positive correlations were found between the severity of depression and anxiety and most of the obesity-related eating behavior items. These findings offer valuable insights into the interplay between obesity-related eating behavior, depression, and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the significance of considering these factors in comprehending and addressing mental health and well-being in adults. Further research is warranted to explore potential interventions and treatment approaches that specifically target the identified relationships.