The Moderating Effect of Aging Attitudes on the Cross-Lagged Relationship Between Depression and Loneliness: A RI-CLPM Study

OBJECTIVES: Loneliness and depression are prevalent, mutually reinforcing mental health concerns in older adults. Identifying psychological resources, such as aging attitudes, that may moderate loneliness--depression relationships is crucial. This study investigated this relationship in older adults and the moderating effects of aging attitudes. METHODS: This one-year, three-wave longitudinal study of 437 older adults was analyzed using a Bayesian random intercept cross-lagged panel model to examine the relationships between loneliness and depression, with aging attitude as a stable moderator. RESULTS: Random intercept cross-lagged analysis revealed that, at the between-person level, positive aging attitudes were associated with lower trait-level loneliness and depression. At the within-person level, depression exhibited a significant negative auto-regression effect, whereas loneliness did not. Cross-lagged analyses indicated that increases in depression significantly predicted decreases in subsequent loneliness. Conclusions: Aging attitudes played a complex moderating role. Instead of buffering the consequences of depression, positive attitudes toward aging strengthened the link between within-person fluctuations in depression and subsequent loneliness, a relationship that was absent among individuals with negative attitudes. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians should assess aging attitudes to tailor interventions, treating loneliness and depression as coupled symptoms in those with positive views, while using targeted strategies for those with negative attitudes.