Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (8): 987-992.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.08.016

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Impact of meaning in life and living arrangements on association between activities of daily living and depression in older adults

DU Lilu1, YAO Renkui1, ZHAO Yanyu1, LI Mengxuan1, ZOU Min1(), ZHANG Gongfa2()   

  1. 1. School of Psychology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, China
    2. Weifang Third People's Hospital (Weifang Mental Health Center), Weifang, Shandong 261000, China
  • Received:2025-06-23 Revised:2025-07-31 Published:2025-08-25 Online:2025-09-01
  • Supported by:
    Shandong Humanities and Social Sciences Project in 2025 (General) (Included Research Project in Progress);Shandong Medical and Health Science and Technology Project(2023BJ000023);Shandong Second Medical University Ideological and Political Education Project for History of Psychology Course(No.17)

Abstract:

Objective To analyze the mechanisms of meaning in life and living arrangements impacting the effect of activities of daily living (ADL) on depression for older adults.

Methods From September to November, 2024, community-dwelling older adults from Weifang, Shandong, were investigated with questionnaire using Basic Activities of Daily Living Scale (BADL), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and a general information questionnaire including living arrangements.

Results A total of 256 questionnaires were distributed, and 245 valid questionnaires were returned. There were significant differences in GDS scores among older adults with different personal monthly incomes and living arrangements (F > 3.744, P < 0.05). BADL scores were positively correlated with GDS scores (r = 0.490, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with MLQ scores (r = -0.370, P < 0.001), and MLQ scores were negatively correlated with GDS scores (r = -0.369, P < 0.001). There was significant direct effect of BADL scores on GDS scores (effect = 1.128, 95%CI 0.829~1.427), and mediating effect of MLQ scores on the relationship between BADL and GDS scores (effect = 0.171, 95%CI 0.028~0.337). The moderating effect of living alone was significant (|B| = 0.127, |t| = 2.103, P< 0.05) on the association between MLQ and GDS, compared with intergenerational coresidence.

Conclusion Meaning in life partially mediates the association between ADL and depression in older adults, especially for those living alone.

Key words: older adults, activities of daily living, depression, meaning in life, living arrangements

CLC Number: