Relationship of stigmatization and social support with depression and anxiety among cognitively intact older adults

This study aimed to assess depression and anxiety symptoms among older adult residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Jordan and to examine the relationships between stigmatization and social support with depression and anxiety.

Data was collected between December 2019 and March 2020 using a cross-sectional design. A total of 90 LTCF residents responded to measures of cognition, anxiety, depression, stigmatization, and social support. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were used in this study.

The average scores of depression and anxiety were high among the participants, with 81.1% of the participants found to be at risk of developing clinical depression. Stigmatization was positively correlated with depression and anxiety, whereas social support was negatively correlated with depression. Stigmatization was a significant predictor of both anxiety and depression scores (β = .19, p = .03; β = .32, p = .001, respectively).

Older adults residing in LTCFs in Jordan suffer from many psychological distress symptoms, which place them at risk of serious mental problems. Reducing stigmatization would improve the psychological well-being of LTCF residents.

Caregivers working at LTCFs should be aware that with the longer stay, older adult residents are expected to complain of psychological distress symptoms. Thus, frequent assessment of the residents is highly recommended. In addition, caregivers should provide the residents with appropriate social support to mitigate the negative impact of a lengthy stay.