Relationship between depression, anxiety, and perceived burdensomeness: the mediating role of emotional regulation among Egyptian older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether emotion regulation moderates the relationship between depression, anxiety, and perceived burdensomeness among community-dwelling older adults with attention to its relevance for public health.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adults aged ≥60 years attending outpatient clinics in Egypt. Validated instruments measured emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, and perceived burdensomeness. Pearson's correlation and multivariable regression analyses were applied to examine relationships among variables and evaluate moderation effects.

RESULTS

Perceived burdensomeness was positively associated with depression and anxiety (r = 0.765, p < 0.001) and negatively with emotion regulation (r = -0.676, p < 0.001). Emotion regulation predicted lower burdensomeness (β = -0.54, p < 0.001) and reduced depression, anxiety, and stress (β = -0.43, p < 0.001). Better regulation skills attenuate the negative impact of mental health symptoms on burdensomeness.

DISCUSSION: Emotion regulation acts as a buffer, mitigating distress and perceived burdensomeness in later life. Integrating emotion regulation training into geriatric programs may enhance resilience and reduce suicide risk in older adults. These results highlight the need to integrate emotion regulation strategies into public health initiatives, especially within primary care and community services that serve older populations.