The Mediating Role of Meaning and Purpose in Life in the Relationship Between Spiritual Well-Being and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in Türkiye

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and spiritual well-being in older adults, with a particular focus on the mediating role of meaning and purpose of life in this relationship. This research used a correlational and cross-sectional design and was conducted with 148 older adults between May and August 2023. Data were collected face-to-face using a personal information form, the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (short form), the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and the Meaning and Purpose of Life Scale. The mean age of the participants in the study was 75.69 years. Initial analysis revealed that the transcendence, anomie, and harmony with nature sub-factors of the Spiritual Well-being Scale explained depressive symptoms at a rate of 50.4%. However, when meaning and purpose in life were included in the model as a mediator variable, the explained variance ratio increased to 63.0%. In the SEM testing, it was found that meaning and purpose in life fully mediated the correlation between the anomie, the sub-factor of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that healthcare providers should incorporate interventions aimed at reducing anomie, improving harmony with nature, and fostering a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as part of early intervention and preventive measures to mitigate depressive symptoms and promote mental health in this population.