 Associations between self-rated health and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China: A cross-lagged panel analysis (2011–2020)Shuyan Leng, Lihua Yao and Jiajia Deng PLOS ONE, 2025, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-12 Abstract: Background: As the aging of the population accelerates, mental health is important to the quality of life of middle-aged and older people, as well as to the healthcare system and the economy. This study focuses on the relationship between depressive symptoms and self-rated health in middle-aged and older people, as well as whether this relationship differs between urban and rural China. Methods: Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The final analysis included 10503 participants aged 45 years or above. The longitudinal cross-lagged panel analysis was used to assess the relationship between self-rated health and depressive symptoms. Results: The model revealed a bidirectional relationship between self-rated health and depressive symptoms. Self-rated health at each time point had a significant effect on subsequent depressive symptoms, and vice versa. However, no urban-rural disparities in these relationships. Conclusion: Self-rated health and depressive symptoms were interrelated over time among middle-aged and older adults. To ensure the mental health and quality of life in later life of middle-aged and older adults, it is essential to assess and manage both self-rated health and depressive symptoms. Date: 2025 Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0321272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321272 Access Statistics for this article More articles in PLOS ONE from Public Library of Science |
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