The Mediating Role of Social Health in the Relationships Between Depression, Lifestyle, and Control Over Negative Thoughts Among Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Background: Caring for children with intellectual disabilities presents physical and emotional challenges for mothers, who may experience increased depression as a result. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the mediating role of social health in the association between depression, lifestyle, and control over negative thoughts among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. Methods: In this descriptive correlational study, the research population comprised mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Tehran in 2020. A sample of 213 mothers was selected via convenience sampling according to the number of variables under investigation. Data collection tools included the Beck Depression Inventory, Thought Control Questionnaire, Lifestyle Assessment Inventory, and Social Well-being Scale. Structural equation modeling was utilized to assess the proposed model. Results: There was a significant direct and inverse relationship between control over negative thoughts and depression, as well as between social health and depression, among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities (P < 0.001). The findings indicated a significant positive relationship between control over negative thoughts and social health and between lifestyle and social health (P < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between lifestyle and depression. The study also revealed a significant indirect relationship between control over negative thoughts and depression, mediated by social health. Similarly, the association between lifestyle and depression, mediated by social health, was significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The model demonstrated a strong fit and can inform the creation and implementation of interventions aimed at alleviating stress and reducing depression among these mothers.