Perceived Physical Health and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Nepali Adults: The Moderating Role of the Components of Hope and Self-Compassion, and Place of Residence

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether the components of hope (agency and pathways) and self-compassion (self-warmth and self-coldness) moderate the relationship between poorer perceived physical health and depressive symptoms, and whether these moderating effects are conditional on place of residence. METHODS: = 8.16) completed the Adult Hope Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, physical health items of the Duke Health Profile, and short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS: Almost half (46.3%) of the sample had sub-threshold depressive symptoms. Pathways weakened the association between poorer perceived physical health and depressive symptoms for urban older adults. Self-coldness strengthened the association between poorer perceived physical health and depressive symptoms for rural older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Pathways are a protective factor for Nepali older adults experiencing poorer perceived physical health from urban areas, whereas self-coldness is an additional risk factor for those living in rural areas. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms among Nepali older adults with poorer perceived physical health should focus on increasing pathways in urban areas and reducing self-coldness in rural areas.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Clinical Gerontologist, 2026 · DOI ↗