Family Strain Predicts Subsequent Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged Adults: Hope Mediates and Self-Compassion Moderates the Relation

Abstract

Interpersonal strain is linked with depressive symptoms in middleaged adults. This study examined 1) the extent to which hope mediates the relation between family strain and depressive symptoms, and 2) whether these indirect effects are conditional on self-compassion. Methods: Self-reported family strain, self-compassion, hope, and depressive symptoms were assessed in a community sample of 762 middle-aged adults aged 40-65. Follow-up measures of depressive symptoms were assessed approximately 20 months later. Results: Hope mediated the relation between family strain and depressive symptoms. For individuals high versus low in self-compassion, strain-related declines in hope predicted smaller increases in depressive symptoms. Discussion: Taken together, the findings suggest that family strain may lead individuals to experience less hope and subsequent increases in depressive symptoms. However, a self-compassionate attitude may serve as a resilience resource, weakening the hope-depressive symptoms relation.