Perceived Social Support and Well-Being: Mediation and Buffering of the Stress-Depression Link in Rural Older Adults.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: Rural older adults are exposed to multiple chronic stressors that may heighten depressive symptoms, and these effects can be intensified by social disconnection, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This study examined whether global and dimension-specific perceived social support-an indicator of perceived social connection-mediates and/or buffers the association between perceived stress and depressive symptoms in rural older adults from northern Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 166 community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years in a rural coastal district. Perceived stress (PSS-4), depressive symptoms (GDS-15), and perceived social support (MOS-SSS) were assessed. Regression-based mediation and moderation models with boots

SUBMITTER: Alvarado-Garcia PAA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12896921 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature