The Relationship Between Social Support and Loneliness among Middle-Aged Women Participating in Community Plaza Exercise Programs : The Dual Mediating Effects of Participation Satisfaction and Self-Esteem

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of social support on loneliness among middle-aged women participating in community plaza exercise programs. Specifically, it explored the dual mediating effects of participation satisfaction and self-esteem in the relationship between social support and loneliness. Methods A total of 217 middle-aged women(aged 40–65) from Seoul Province who participated in community plaza exercise programs were surveyed using validated instruments measuring social support, participation satisfaction, self-esteem, and loneliness. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, AMOS 26.0, and PROCESS macro(Model 6). Validity and reliability of instruments were verified via EFA, CFA, and Cronbach’s α. Correlations and dual mediation effects were analyzed using regression and bootstrapping(5,000 samples). Results Social support had a significant negative effect on loneliness. Both participation satisfaction and self-esteem individually mediated the relationship between social support and loneliness. Furthermore, a dual mediation path where social support increased participation satisfaction, which in turn enhanced self-esteem and ultimately reduced loneliness was also statistically significant. Conclusions Social support plays a key role in reducing loneliness among middle-aged women in community plaza exercise programs, mediated by increased satisfaction with participation and heightened self-esteem. These findings highlight the psychological and social benefits of local exercise programs and underscore the importance of enhancing both social connectedness and psychological resources in program design.