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Depression (Mood disorder)

Longitudinal Associations Between Psychological Well-being and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in the Baltic States

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Riga Stradins University conducted a study to investigate the longitudinal, bidirectional associations between psychological well-being and depressive symptoms among older adults in the Baltic States. The study used a cross-lagged panel model to analyze responses from 5,874 individuals aged 50 and above in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The results showed that both psychological well-being and depressive symptoms were moderately stable over time and negatively associated in each wave.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that psychological well-being at baseline significantly predicted depressive symptoms 2 years later (b = -0.17, p < 0.05).
  • The dual continua model of mental health was supported by the research, which underscored the importance of promoting psychological well-being to mitigate depression risk in ageing populations.
  • The study used two waves of data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) to analyze responses from 5,874 individuals aged 50 and above in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
  • Psychological well-being was assessed using the CASP-12 scale, and depressive symptoms using the EURO-D scale.
  • The study adjusted for age, gender, and multimorbidity to ensure accurate results.
  • The research concluded that promoting psychological well-being is crucial for reducing depression risk in ageing populations.

Statistics:

  • 5,874 individuals aged 50 and above from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania participated in the study.
  • The study used two waves of data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) for analysis.
  • The CASP-12 scale was used to assess psychological well-being, and the EURO-D scale was used to assess depressive symptoms.
  • The study adjusted for age, gender, and multimorbidity to ensure accurate results.

Sources:

  • "Longitudinal associations between psychological well-being and depressive symptoms among older adults in the Baltic states." Frontiers in Psychology, 2025, 16. (Frontiers in Psychology - http://frontiersin.org/psychology)
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Riga Stradins University Describe Research in Psychology (Longitudinal associations between psychological well-being and depressive symptoms among older adults in the Baltic states). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 973.

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