Social support and depressive symptoms in older adults receiving hospice care: the mediating role of developmental task attainment

Abstract

Background: Recognizing and addressing depressive symptoms among palliative care patients is essential, given their impact on quality of life, connections to increased physical symptoms, and links with heightened mortality risk. The current study aimed to identify the relationships between social support, developmental task attainment, and depressive symptoms in older hospice patients. Methods: The study included 120 Polish older patients aged 60–87 years receiving home palliative care. Respondents completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Developmental Tasks Questionnaire for Seniors, the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, and a sociodemographic survey. Results: The overall level of perceived social support and all its dimensions were negatively associated with depressive symptoms in older hospice patients. Effective handling of developmental tasks typical of old age emerged as a stronger protective factor against depressive symptoms. Moreover, developmental task attainment partially mediated the relationships between perceived social support and depressive symptoms. Discussion: A high level of social support combined with the effective accomplishment of developmental challenges typical of late life may prevent depressive symptoms in older hospice patients. The findings have valuable implications for psychological interventions in palliative care.