Self-perceptions of aging mediate the longitudinal relationship of hopelessness and depressive symptoms

Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to examine the hypothesis that the prospective relationship between hopelessness and depressive symptoms is mediated by self-perceptions of aging. Methods: Data from 3 waves of the US Health and Retirement Study (2008, 2012, and 2014) were used (N = 4606; age M = 65.3, 55.5% female). In mediation analyses, hopelessness in 2008 was the independent variable, self-perceptions of aging in 2012 were the mediator, and depressive symptoms in 2014 were the outcome variable. Results: After controlling for covariates, hopelessness in 2008 was an independent predictor of self-perceptions of aging in 2012 (β = −.10, P <.001), and self-perceptions of aging in 2012 was an independent predictor of depressive symptoms in 2014 (β = −.41, P <.001). Hopelessness in 2008 showed both direct (β =.09, P <.001) and indirect (β =.03, P <.001) effects on depressive symptoms in 2014, indicating partial mediation by change in self-perceptions of aging. Conclusions: As hypothesized, change in self-perceptions of aging partially mediated the relationship of hopelessness with depressive symptoms 6 years later. Findings are consistent with a conceptualization of hopelessness as broad negative expectations about the future that may contribute to negative self-perceptions of aging and subsequent changes in depressive symptoms. Reducing hopelessness, increasing hope, and improving self-perceptions of aging have potential to reduce and prevent depressive symptoms for older adults. Future research should examine the mechanisms of these interrelationships and other aging outcomes.