Types of Family Caregiving and Psychological Well-being in Older Adults: Moderating Effects of Social Support and Age-Group Comparisons

Abstract

This study examined the effects of family caregiving types on the mental health (depression, life satisfaction) of Korean older adults and the moderating role of social support, focusing on the differences between the young-old (65-74) and the old-old (75+). Data from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans for older adults (N=9,945) were analyzed using hierarchical regression and simple slope analysis. The results show that both single and multiple caregivers reported significantly higher life satisfaction than non-caregivers. Furthermore, social support significantly moderated the relationship between caregiving types and mental health. The psychological benefits of caregiving, specifically reduced depression and enhanced life satisfaction, were most pronounced among individuals with low levels of social support. Age-group analyses further highlighted a distinct divergence: while the moderating effect of social support was prominent in the young-old group, it was not statistically significant in the old-old group. For the old-old group, caregiving consistently provides a stable sense of purpose and psychological reward in advanced age. These findings underscore the necessity of age-specific interventions that recognize the unique resource contexts and psychological needs of different older adult cohorts.