Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified an association between elderly abuse and depressive symptoms among older adults. However, the associations and influence mechanism between specific kinds of elderly abuse and depressive symptoms remained largely unknown. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were derived from the 2018 wave of China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. We employed multiple linear regression analyses and propensity score matching method to explore the association between elderly abuse, its three dimensions (psychological abuse, physical abuse, and economic exploitation) and depressive symptoms. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to confirm.the mediating role of loneliness and moderating role of social participation. RESULTS: A total of 6,153 participants were included in this study. Our findings indicated that there was a significant relationship between elderly abuse and depressive symptoms, with loneliness serving as a critical mediator across abuse subtypes. Social participation emerged as a moderator, specifically mitigating the association between psychological abuse and depressive symptoms. Residence may also shape the association between psychological abuse and depressive symptoms among older adults. CONCLUSION: This study provides insight into the systematic relationship between elderly abuse and depressive symptoms among older adults in China based on a cross-sectional study. This is conducive to promoting the in-depth and comprehensive implementation of China's active ageing policy. Future policies should prioritize abuse prevention, foster community support networks, and integrate psychosocial strategies to improve mental health in this vulnerable population.