Korean J Adult Nurs.  2025 Feb;37(1):50-58. 10.7475/kjan.2025.37.1.50.

The Effects of Perceived Stress on Depression among Middle-aged Adults with Diabetes Mellitus in Korea: Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Capital through a Descriptive Correlational Study

• Kim KA
• Bang MR

• KMID: 2565684
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2025.37.1.50

Abstract

Purpose
The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) rises significantly in the post-middle-age population, and stress along with depressive symptoms hinders effective DM management. This study examined the mediating effect of social capital (trust in the physical environment, reciprocity, social participation, and social networks) on the relationship between perceived stress and depression among middle-aged adults with DM in Korea. It also aimed to provide data for developing targeted interventions to enhance blood glucose management in this population.
Methods
A descriptive correlational study using data from the 2019 Community Health Survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) was conducted. Complex sample regression analysis and the Sobel test were employed for mediation analysis. The study included 9,394 middle-aged adults (aged 45-64 years) diagnosed with DM. The analysis assessed the effects of perceived stress on social capital and depression, as well as the mediating role of social capital.
Results
Perceived stress negatively impacted social capital (β=-0.16, p<.001) and positively influenced depression (β=0.37, p<.001). Both perceived stress and social capital significantly affected depression (F=998.83, p<.001), with social capital showing a partial mediating effect (z=2.65, p<.001).
Conclusion
Social capital partially mediated the relationship between stress and depression, suggesting its potential as a strategy for reducing stress and lowering depression among middle-aged adults with DM. These findings lay the groundwork for targeted interventions to improve blood glucose management in this population. Future research should explore the relationships among specific components of social capital, stress, and depression.

Keyword

Depression; Diabetes mellitus; Middle aged; Perceived stress scale; Social capital