Stress and depression among Chinese new urban older adults: A moderated mediation model

We explored the relationship between stress and depression among 296 new urban older adults in China aged 60 years and older, along with the moderating effect of relocation duration and the mediating effect of anxiety. Participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales–simplified Chinese version. Results show that stress was a risk factor for depression, relocation duration moderated the relationship between stress and depression, and this moderating effect was mediated by anxiety. The importance of focusing on and preventing mental health problems among new urban older adults in China is discussed, with a focus on stress-induced anxiety and depression, and the feasibility of intervention at different stages postrelocation.