The relationship between living with a spouse and mental health in the elderly population: Moderated mediation effects of loneliness and perceived problems

Abstract

Objectives: Study 1 investigated if the elderly’s perception of experiencing life problems moderates the effect of spousal living arrangements on their mental health, while study 2 first assessed loneliness as a mediator on the spousal living arrangements and mental health relationship, and then tested 2 moderated-mediation models whereby perceived problems moderates the mediation. Methods: Study 1 involved 135 participants aged 60 years and above (mean = 70.96; SD = 6.16); Study 2 involved 122 participants aged 65 years and above (mean = 74.85; SD = 6.91). Results: This study found simple moderation and mediation effects of perceived problems and loneliness, respectively, on the spousal living arrangements and mental health relationship. Furthermore, results showed that perceived problems moderate the loneliness and mental health link in a moderated-mediation model. Discussion: Findings inform potential interventions for elderly mental health. Interventions could focus on reducing loneliness and problems faced by the elderly, especially those with nonspousal living arrangements.