The relationship between depression and subjective cognitive decline in older adults of China: the mediating role of general self-efficacy

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is common in older adults and may also be an early marker for future cognitive impairment. Depression is an important influencing factor for subjective cognitive decline in old age. However, the mediating effects of general self-efficacy in depression and subjective cognition are yet to be explored. This study included 308 participants who were ≥60 years. Participants were asked to complete the self-report measures of the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15), Subjective Cognitive Decline-Questionnaire (SCD-Q), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). We used correlations, regressions, and structural equation models for the analyses. The bootstrapping method was performed to confirm the mediation effect. The subjective cognitive decline was found to be significantly and positively correlated to depression. Bootstrapping mediation analyses indicated that depression could affect SCD not only directly but also indirectly through general self-efficacy. General self-efficacy partly played a mediating role between depression and SCD. Hence, community workers and clinicians should actively help the elderly experiencing low levels of general self-efficacy to reduce their SCD.