Effects of online and offline social participation on depression among older adults living alone vs. not.

This study explored how online and offline social participation affects depression symptoms in older adults through social networks, basic psychological needs, and cognitive reactivity. Conducted as a cross-sectional survey among 700 urban and rural older adults in Ningde City, Fujian Province, data on social participation, social networks, psychological needs, cognitive reactivity, and depression symptoms were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling and multi-group structural equation modeling. Results indicated that offline social participation directly reduced depression symptoms, whereas online participation did not. Both forms of participation alleviate depression indirectly through social networks, basic psychological needs, and cognitive reactivity. Additionally, social networks increased depression symptoms in those living alone and decreased them in those not living alone. Consequently, while enhancing social participation may benefit the mental health of older adults generally, caution is required in expanding the social networks of people living alone to avoid exacerbating their risk of depression.