The Influence of Role Loss and Self-esteem on Depression in the Elderly: A Moderated Mediating Effect of Social Support

This study examined the mediating effect of self-esteem in the relationship between role loss and depression in the elderly and conducted the moderated mediating model analysis to verified the moderated mediating effect of social support on self-esteem and depression. Data were collected from 305 elderly people aged 65 or older through an online survey company. Results of this study were as follows. First, the mediating effect of self-esteem was significant on the effect of role loss on depression. Second, the moderating effect of social support was significant on the effect of self-esteem on depression. Third, the mediating effect of self-esteem was significant and the moderated mediating effect of social support on the relationship between role loss, self-esteem and depression was significant. Results of this study are meaningful in that they provide specific evidence for psychotherapy intervention for the elderly experiencing depression due to role loss.