Resourcefulness as a mediator in the relationship between self-perceived burden and depression among the young and middle-aged stroke patients: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationships among self-perceived burden, resourcefulness and depression, and to study further whether resourcefulness mediates the effects of self-perceived burden on depression in young and middle-aged stroke patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1050 young and middle-aged stroke patients. We used a general demographic questionnaire, Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS), Resourcefulness Scale© (RS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) to assess self-perceived burden, resourcefulness, and depression. Statistical methods included correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, and structural equation model. RESULTS: 1018 valid questionnaires were collected with a response rate of 96.95%. Resourcefulness was inversely correlated with self-perceived burden (r = −0.367, p < 0.01) and depression (r = −0.625, p < 0.01); Self-perceived burden was positively associated with depression (r = 0.698, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that resourcefulness mediated the effects of self-perceived burden on depression; The structural equation model demonstrated that the resourcefulness mediated the relationship between self-perceived burden and depression. CONCLUSION: Resourcefulness is a mediator between self-perceived burden and depression. Medical staff adjust the psychological state of stroke patients based on the theory of resourcefulness, thereby improving their problem-solving ability, actively encouraging patients to establish problem-solving strategies, providing disease rehabilitation knowledge and skills, and promoting the improvement of resourcefulness level.