The roles of meaning in life and <i>Zhong-Yong</i> thinking in the association between social isolation and depression in Chinese older adults: A moderated mediation model

The study examines the potential mechanisms underlying the association between social isolation and depression among Chinese older adults, focusing on meaning in life as a mediating factor and Zhong-Yong thinking style as a moderating factor. Zhong Yong thinking, rooted in traditional Chinese culture, emphasizes holistic balance and harmony in life. A total of 561 Chinese older adults (M = 69.96 ± 6.62; 286 male; 275 female) were recruited using purposive sampling from urban and rural areas of Hubei Province, China. Participants completed measures adapted for the Social Isolation Subscale, the Chinese version of the Meaning in Life questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Zhong-Yong Thinking Style Scale. Meaning in life was found to mediate the association between social isolation and depression, and Zhong-Yong thinking moderated the mediating role of meaning in life, with higher levels of Zhong-Yong thinking associated with a weaker negative relationship between social isolation and meaning in life. These findings align with previous research highlighting the strong association between social isolation and depression in older adults. Zhong-Yong thinking may support older adults in maintaining meaning in life, potentially mitigating the influence of social isolation on depressive symptoms. The study underscores the value of culturally relevant strategies for addressing depression and suggests directions for prevention and intervention programs tailored to the needs of older adults. Incorporating meaning in life and Zhong-Yong thinking into mental health interventions could provide culturally sensitive approaches to addressing social isolation and depression in Chinese older adults. Emphasizing traditional cultural values may promote resilience and well-being in this population.