The relationship between self-esteem, social support and life satisfaction of urban elderly residents

Abstract

Objective To explore the difference in demographic variables of the self-esteem of Nanning elderly residents and its relationship with social support, life satisfaction. Methods A sample of 496 elderly lived at Nanning were assessed with self-esteem scale(SES), social support rating scale(SSRS) and life satisfaction index A scale(LISA). Results There were significant differences in overall self-esteem, positive self-esteem and negative self-esteem among different groups of marriage(t=2.209, 2.127, -1.839), educational level(t=-2.332, -2.047, 2.164), health(F=8.552, 3.668, -12.736), economy(F=13.465, 14.865, -7.643) and interests(F=8.552, 3.668, -12.736)(t=2.860, 2.394, -2.785); P<0.05). Social support(40.13±6.29) could positively predict positive self-esteem(3.04±0.27) and negatively predict negative self-esteem(2.29±0.23) (β=0.280, -0.195, P<0.01). Positive self-esteem could positively predict life satisfaction and negative self-esteem could negatively predict life satisfaction(12.58±3.90) (β=0.397, -0.443, P<0.01). The intermediary effect of positive self-esteem, negative self-esteem between social support and life satisfaction were significantly(P<0.01). Conclusion Self-esteem has partial intermediary role between social support and life satisfaction. Key words: Urban elderly residents; Self-esteem; Social support; Life satisfaction