The mediating effect of coping style on the relationship between perceived stress and mental health in Chinese rural older adults living alone: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aim Older adults living alone is becoming the main family structure in rural China. This study aimed to explore the mediating effect of coping style on the relationship between perceived stress and mental health in rural older adults living alone in China. Methods 356 rural older adults living alone were recruited in Huzhou, China. Subjects were investigated using the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), Chinese Coping Style Questionnaire (CCSQ), and Mental Health Questionnaire (MHQ). Data were analysed using a structural equation. Bootstrapping was used to validate the mediation effects. Results Mental health showed significant correlations with a sense of nervousness, of uncontrollability, and with positive and negative coping styles (P < 0.05). The results of structural equation modeling showed a good fit for the total sample (χ2/df = 2.684, NFI = 0.927, GFI = 0.944, RMSEA = 0.069). Perceived stress (sense of nervousness and uncontrollability) impacted the mental health of rural older adults living alone mainly through two mediating variables, including positive and negative coping styles. The double mediating contribution rates were 42.11%, and 61.82%. Conclusion Coping style partially mediated the relationship between perceived stress and mental health of rural older adults living alone in China. Consequently, to improve the mental health of rural older adults living alone, perceived stress and coping styles should be the focus. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 523–528.

The mediating effect of resilience on mental health literacy and positive coping style among Chinese empty nesters: A cross-sectional study

“…Previous studies have pointed out that coping style acts a pivotal part in regulating individual’s psychological state and maintaining mental balance ( Li et al, 2022 ). Coping style refers to a cognitive adjustment behavior method and strategy adopted by an individual to adapt to the requirements of the internal and external environment in the face of stressful events, which can be divided into positive coping style and negative coping style ( Lazarus and Folkman, 1984 ).…”