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Exploring Depression among the Elderly during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Effects of the Big Five, Media Use, and Perceived Social Support

Author

Listed:
  • Yang Li

    (College of Communication and Art Design, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

  • Zhi Lin

    (College of Communication and Art Design, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

  • Yibo Wu

    (School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China)

Abstract

The mental health of the elderly is vulnerable during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the risks of depression is increased. The study aimed to explore the effects of physical health, the Big Five personality traits, media use, and different kinds of perceived social support as predictors of levels of depression among the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in more than 120 cities in China with a sample of 1147 older adults, and hierarchical regression was established to examine the predictors of the level of depression. The results showed that almost half of the elderly (48%) had a status of mild or much more severe depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The level of depression was negatively associated with physical health, extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and family support, while it was positively associated with neuroticism and media use. The study emphasized the effects of physical health, the Big Five personality traits, media use, and perceived social support from family as the predictors of levels of depression, providing further measures to help the elderly better react to a public health emergency.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang Li & Zhi Lin & Yibo Wu, 2022. "Exploring Depression among the Elderly during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Effects of the Big Five, Media Use, and Perceived Social Support," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13534-:d:946888
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kunho Lee & Goo-Churl Jeong & JongEun Yim, 2020. "Consideration of the Psychological and Mental Health of the Elderly during COVID-19: A Theoretical Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-11, November.
    2. Jing Guo & Xing Lin Feng & Xiao Hua Wang & Marinus H. van IJzendoorn, 2020. "Coping with COVID-19: Exposure to COVID-19 and Negative Impact on Livelihood Predict Elevated Mental Health Problems in Chinese Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Ohrnberger, Julius & Fichera, Eleonora & Sutton, Matt, 2017. "The relationship between physical and mental health: A mediation analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 42-49.
    4. Meredith E. David & James A. Roberts, 2021. "Smartphone Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Social Versus Physical Distancing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-8, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ying Cui & Yue Han, 2022. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Urban Residents—Evidence from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-17, December.

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