The Association Between Depression and Subjective Memory Complaints: The Chain Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and Perceived Stress.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of self-efficacy and perceived stress on the relationship between depression and subjective memory complaints (SMC) among patients with depression.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with Chinese patients experiencing SMC. The assessment of SMC, depression, self-efficacy and perceived stress was performed using the Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire-9, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17, General Self-efficacy Scale and the Chinese version of the Perceived Stress Scale. Pearson correlation analysis was utilised to examine the correlations among these variables. AMOS 26.0 was employed to construct a chain mediation model, and the mediating effects of this model were tested using the bootstrap method.

Results: A total of 372 patients with depression voluntarily participated in the questionnaires during their leisure time, and 343 valid questionnaires were recovered. The analysis indicated that SMC significantly affected the depression of patients (β = 0.211, critical ratio = 3.915, p < 0.001). Lower self-efficacy and higher perceived stress were associated with increased depression. Specifically, self-efficacy and perceived stress continuously mediated the relationship between SMC and depression, with an overall mediating effect value of 0.209. After including self-efficacy and perceived stress, the total effect of SMC on depression was found to be 0.420.

Conclusions: This study highlights the collective contributions of SMC, self-efficacy and perceived stress to depression. Self-efficacy and perceived stress continuously mediate the association between depression and SMC, indicating that depressed patients with SMC exhibit lower self-efficacy; additionally, reduced self-efficacy may exacerbate perceived stress, ultimately leading to elevated levels of depression.

Implications for practice: These findings underscore the importance of developing self-efficacy and stress coping strategies. Enhancing self-efficacy and reducing perceived stress can alleviate SMC in patients with depression and improve overall cognitive function. Regular monitoring and intervention for self-efficacy and perceived stress in patients with SMC are crucial for assessing and screening subclinical depression patients, initiating early interventions to alleviate depression and promoting mental health.