Subjective uncertainty and sense of community in the socioeconomic Status–Depression association among older Chinese adults

Purpose: Subjective uncertainty and sense of community are important factors predicting mental health in later life. Older adults often face unpredictable life events and rely on community connectedness for support. However, few studies have examined how these factors jointly operate in the context of socioeconomic disparities. This study investigated the role of uncertainty, and sense of community in the relation between SES and depressive symptoms among older Chinese adults. Method: Data were obtained from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS). Socioeconomic status (SES) was operationalized with three dimensions: economic status, educational attainment, and occupational status. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a nine-item self-rated depressive symptom scale. Subjective uncertainty and sense of community were measured by scales. Results: Better economic status, educational attainment, and occupational status were negatively associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms (β=-0.528, β=-0.07, β=-0.19, p < 0.001). Subjective uncertainty mediated the effects of SES on depressive symptoms (β = 0.173, β = 0.161, β = 0.161, p < 0.001). Additionally, a sense of community moderated the mediating role of subjective uncertainty in the relationship between SES and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Both sense of community and subjective uncertainty are key factors influencing depressive symptoms in older adults, particularly in relation to SES. Different SES indicators relate differently to subjective uncertainty. Sense of community moderates this relationship by lessening the negative impact of uncertainty. This research advances understanding by integrating structural SES factors with psychosocial processes, highlighting how community ties can modify the pathway from subjective uncertainty to depression.