Structural equation modeling to explain the relationship between intergenerational relationships and depressive symptoms with the mediation of social isolation in the Iranian older adults

Abstract

Objectives There is ample evidence of the significant role of social isolation and reduced intergenerational relationships in the emergence of various problems and diseases, including depression. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between intergenerational relationships, social isolation, and depression in the older adult population of Maku, Iran, in 2022. Methods The present study was a correlational study conducted on 407 older adult individuals in Maku. The sampling method was systematic random sampling. The inclusion criteria were age 60 and above, ability to communicate, no cognitive impairment, no experience of stressful events or incidents in the past six months, and incomplete questionnaire response as the exclusion criterion. The data were collected using the Shokoohi Intergenerational Relationships Questionnaire, Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). The data were analyzed using SPSS16 software and descriptive statistics tests (percentage, frequency, mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval), Pearson correlation coefficient, and structural equation modeling using EQS6.4 software. Results Intergenerational relationships had a direct negative correlation with depressive symptoms in the older adult population (β = −0.18, p < 0.001), and social isolation was indirectly negatively correlated with depressive symptoms in the older adult population (β = −0.15, p < 0.001). Conclusion Considering that older adults who maintain solid intergenerational ties with their children often encounter less social isolation and display fewer signs of depression, it is crucial to devise suitable strategies to strengthen these relationships and foster social interaction in their later years.