Mediating Role of Psychological Capital in the Relationship Between Social Support and Self-Neglect Among Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Frontiers in Psychology

Xianhong Huang¹  Hangsai Wang²  Binyu Zhao³  Meijuan Cao³  Chunqi Xie³ 

[1] Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China;School of Medicine, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China;School of Nursing, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China;

关键词: self-neglect;    social support;    psychological capital;    older adults;    mental health;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2022.903625

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

ObjectivesSelf-neglect in older adults has become an important public health issue and is associated with negative health outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality. Social support has been recognized as a prominent predictor of self-neglect, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. This study aims to investigate and illustrate the associations among social support, psychological capital, and self-neglect.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional convenience sampling design. A total of 511 older adults were recruited in Chinese communities. Spearman’s correlation coefficient and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were performed to assess the influencing factors of self-neglect. A structural equation model was applied to test the hypothesized mediation model.ResultsSocial support and psychological capital were found to be negatively related to self-neglect. Social support and psychological capital explained 5.1 and 11.9% of the incremental variances of older adults’ self-neglect, respectively. Psychological capital acts as a mediator between social support and self-neglect.ConclusionSelf-neglect among older adults is a rising problem in China. Social support and higher psychological capital could decrease the risk of self-neglect in older adults. It is crucial to improve social networks and facilitate psychological interventions to reduce such self-neglect.

【 授权许可】

Unknown