Predicting psychological well-being based on attitudes toward aging and social support mediated by hope in life

Given the increasing size and share of older population and the various mental and psychological challenges that individuals face with on the path of life to reach old age, it is crucial to investigate the factors affecting psychological well-being. Therefore, the present study aimed to predict psychological well-being based on attitudes toward aging and social support by meditating on hope in life. This study employed a correlational design with path analysis to explore the relationships between the variables of focus. The sample comprised 468 individuals aged 15 or older residing in Qom, Iran. Participants were recruited randomly using a systematic approach from 2021 to 2022. The participants completed the demographic profile questionnaire, Kogan's Attitudes Toward Older People Scale, Snyder's Adult Hope Scale, Vaux et al. Social Support Appraisals Scale, and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests of Spearman's correlation and the structural equation model in SPSS24 and AMOS24. The hypothesized research model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data (CMIN = 0.424, GFI = 1.000, CFI = 1.000, RMSEA = 0.001). Moreover, the variables of attitudes toward aging (β = 0.178, p < .01) and social support (β = 0.366, p < .001) jointly accounted for 19.3% of the variance in hope in life. Additionally, social support (β = 0.356, p < .001) and hope in life (β = 0.214, p < .001) collectively explained 23.6% of the variance in psychological well-being. The mediating role of hope in life in the relationship between attitudes toward aging and social support with individuals' psychological well-being should be emphasized. Positive education programs appear to be essential for improving attitudes toward aging, increasing hope in life, and ultimately promoting psychological well-being in society.