Depressive Symptoms and Fear of Death in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support
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Objective: This study tested a structural model of fear of death among older adults based on depressive symptoms, with perceived social support as a mediating variable.
Methods and Materials: This descriptive correlational study used a structural equation modeling approach. The study population included adults aged 65 years and older living in Tehran, Iran. A total of 410 participants were selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Death Attitude Profile-Revised, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 and SmartPLS.
Findings: Participants’ mean age was 70.50 ± 4.38 years; 55% were men and 45% were women. The proposed model showed acceptable fit indices: SRMR = 0.069, NFI = 0.765, and GOF = 0.614. Depression had a significant positive direct effect on fear of death (β = 0.417, p < 0.01) and a significant negative effect on perceived social support (β = −0.687, p < 0.01). Perceived social support had a significant negative effect on fear of death (β = −0.424, p < 0.01). The indirect effect of depression on fear of death through perceived social support was significant (β = 0.291, T = 7.584, p < 0.01). The model explained 62.3% of the variance in fear of death.
Conclusion: Depressive symptoms increase fear of death among older adults, partly by reducing perceived social support. Strengthening social support may help reduce death-related fear in this population.
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