The Role of Social Inclusion in the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Psychological Resilience in Older Adults

This study investigates the relationships among sleep quality, social inclusion, and psychological resilience in older adults and examines whether social inclusion moderates the association between sleep quality and psychological resilience. Grounded in the Main Effect Model, social inclusion is conceptualized as a key psychosocial resource in later life. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 455 older adults in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Social Inclusion Scale, and the Psychological Hardiness Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analyses were performed while controlling for demographic variables. Findings revealed a strong positive association between social inclusion and psychological resilience (r = .664, p < .001) and a negative association between sleep quality scores and resilience (r = –.305, p < .001). In regression analyses, social inclusion emerged as the strongest predictor of resilience (β = .60, p < .001), whereas sleep quality did not make a significant independent contribution. The interaction between sleep quality and social inclusion was not significant. The results highlight social inclusion as a primary psychosocial factor supporting resilience in later life and underscore the importance of strengthening social participation to promote psychological well-being among older adults.