Does the Sense of Mattering Buffer Depressive Symptoms? Evidence from the CHAT Program Survey
2024
Does the Sense of Mattering Help Reduce Depression in Older Adults?
Sample size: 2385
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Yan Mengzhao, Sheila Salinas Navarro, Sindy Lomeli, Kathleen Wilber
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
Does a sense of mattering buffer depressive symptoms in older adults?
Conclusion
A higher sense of mattering is associated with lower odds of having depressive symptoms in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Sense of mattering is a unique construct that impacts health and well-being.
- Previous research shows that high levels of mattering protect against mental health issues.
- Each unit increase in mattering is linked to a 12% decrease in depressive symptoms.
Takeaway
Feeling important to others can help older people feel less sad. The more you feel valued, the happier you might be.
Methodology
The study used multivariate logistic regression to analyze the relationship between sense of mattering and depressive symptoms.
Participant Demographics
Older adults, average age 71, identified by local area agencies on aging.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
0.85 – 0.92
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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