The Impact of the Social Participation of Local Residents of Gyeongsangbuk-do and Their Sense of Community on Depression: Analysis of the Moderating Effects of Digital Capabilities

By analyzing the impact of social participation and sense of community among residents living in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, the study aims to reveal the moderating effect of the digital capability. For this purpose, this study analyzed 250 local residents who lives in Gyeongsangbuk-do and has received services from the Community Welfare Center. The main findings were, first of all, the degree of social participation and the sense of community had a significant impact on their depression. And generally, gender, educational background, and subjective health condition had a significant impact on their depression. Secondly, in the part of digital capability, the subjects with higher scores of digital discomfort scored higher in depression and lower in social participation. Third, it has been proven that depending on the level of discomfort of digital use, the local residents' sense of community has a moderating effect on depression. Based on this research result, the study discussed social welfare practices and policy implications in order to reduce depression and improve the life quality of people who receives welfare services in the community welfare center.