The mediating effects of social support on the association between depression and life satisfaction among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

Patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorders in community had poor psychosocial functioning, social support, and life satisfaction. However, the interaction effects of social support and depression on life satisfaction remains unclear. Thus, we examined these associations among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 in Shenzhen, China. Information on social support, depression, and life satisfaction was assessed by standardized questionnaires through a face-to-face interview. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to estimate the associations of social support and depression with life satisfaction and to explore the mediation effect of social support. A total of 293 patients aged 39.7 ± 11.1 years (males: 47.1 %) were included in this study. Social support was positively associated with high life satisfaction (explaining 7.2% of the variance), while depression was negatively associated with life satisfaction (explaining 17.8% of the variance). Furthermore, social support mediated 12.5% of the association between depression and life satisfaction. Social support and depression were significantly associated with life satisfaction in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorders. Moreover, social support mediated the association between depression and life satisfaction in this population. Health interventions that benefit social support should be promoted to alleviate the negative impact of depression on their life satisfaction.