Thwarted belongingness and depressive symptoms among older adults: The moderating roles of self-warmth, self-coldness, and place of residence

Objectives: This study investigated whether the relationship between thwarted belongingness and depressive symptoms was moderated by self-warmth and self-coldness and whether the moderating effects were conditional on place of residence (urban versus rural). Methods: A sample of 236 Australian adults aged 65 to 97 years (M = 73.63, SD = 6.53) completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, and Self-Compassion Scale. Results: The interaction between thwarted belongingness and self-warmth was significant for urban but not rural older adults. For urban older adults, the relationship between thwarted belongingness and depressive symptoms weakened as levels of self-warmth increased. The association between thwarted belongingness and depressive symptoms was significantly stronger for older adults living in rural areas than in urban areas. The relationship between thwarted belongingness and depressive symptoms strengthened as self-coldness levels increased. Conclusions: Self-warmth is a protective factor for older adults living in urban areas and experiencing thwarted belongingness. Self-coldness is an additional risk factor for older adults experiencing thwarted belongingness. Clinical Implications: Interventions focusing on increasing self-warmth among urban older adults and decreasing self-coldness among older adults might weaken the relationship between thwarted belongingness and depressive symptoms.