- E-ISSN2586-6036
- KCI
E-ISSN : 2586-6036
Social Capital and Self-Rated Health Among Older Adults Living Alone: The Mediating Role of Depression
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the relationship between social capital and self-rated health among older adults living alone and investigates the mediating role of depression. Research design, data and methodology: Using cross-sectional data from the 2024 Korea Welfare Panel Study (N = 2,060), we analyzed a nationally representative sample of adults aged 65 and older living in single-person households. Social capital was constructed as a composite index including trust, reciprocity, and social participation. Depression was measured using an 11-item CES-D scale (Cronbach’s α = .984). Hierarchical regression and bootstrapped mediation analyses were conducted while controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Results: Social capital was positively associated with self-rated health and negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Depression was strongly associated with poorer self-rated health (β = −.353). Mediation analysis indicated that depression partially mediated the relationship between social capital and self-rated health (indirect effect = 0.075, 95% CI [0.051, 0.099]). Conclusions: Social capital is linked to better perceived health both directly and indirectly through reduced depressive symptoms. Strengthening psychosocial resources may represent an important strategy for promoting healthy aging among older adults living alone.
- keywords
- Social Capital; Self-Rated Health; Depression; Older Adults Living Alone; Healthy Aging
- Received
- 2026-03-26
- Revised
- 2026-03-29
- Accepted
- 2026-04-23
- Published
- 2026-04-30
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