The Mediating Effect of Social Networks and Depression on the Relationship Between Older Adults' Participation in Volunteer Activities and Life Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study Involving Chinese Older Adults
Abstract
Background
Volunteer
services
are
increasingly
recognized
as
beneficial
for
the
older
adults
in
China,
enhancing
life
satisfaction
through
improved
social
interaction
and
psychological
well-being.
However,
specific
mechanisms
by
which
volunteer
activities
influence
satisfaction,
particularly
networks
depressive
symptoms,
remain
unclear.
This
study
aims
to
address
these
knowledge
gaps
provide
insights
into
how
impact
well-being
later
life.
Purpose
To
examine
relationship
between
participation
their
focusing
on
serial
mediation
effects
of
symptoms.
Methods
A
cross-sectional
design
was
utilized
based
2020
Chinese
Longitudinal
Aging
Social
Survey
(CLASS),
involving
a
cohort
9,828
individuals
aged
60
years
over
from
across
China.
The
collected
data
service
structured
questionnaire.
were
measured
using
network
scale
designed
Lubben.
while
symptoms
assessed
with
Center
Epidemiologic
Studies
Depression
Scale
(CES-D)
custom
scale,
respectively.
analysis
employed
bootstrapping
method
explore
mediating
satisfaction.
Results
delineates
substantial
positive
correlation
engagement
nexus
is
partially
mediated
augmentation
networks,
turn
attenuates
thereby
elevating
research
accentuates
paramount
importance
mental
health
amplifying
demographic.
model
elucidates
significant
linkage
intricately
sequence
(total
effect
c
=
0.107,
95%
CI
0.071
0.143;
direct
c'
0.095,
0.060
0.130;
total
indirect
ab
0.012,
0.003
0.021).
Conclusion
extends
understanding
enhance
roles
scientific
novelty
lies
identifying
mechanisms,
contributing
development
sociological
science
emphasizing
promoting
These
findings
crucial
implications
volunteerism
among
improve
quality
Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: April 10, 2025
Language: Английский