The Effect of Health Promotion Behavior on the Depression of Middle-aged Adults : Focusing on the Moderating Effect of Social Networks

This study aimed to verify the moderating effect of social networks on the relationship between health promotion behaviors and depression among middle-aged adults. A survey was conducted targeting middle-aged adults aged 50-60 in Busan, and data were collected from 392 respondents. The analysis utilized process macro to examine the moderating effect. The results are as follows: Firstly, health promotion behaviors among middle-aged adults had a significantly negative impact on depression, indicating that higher levels of health promotion behaviors were associated with lower levels of depression. Secondly, the moderating effect of social networks on the relationship between health promotion behaviors and depression was significant. Specifically, higher levels of social networks were associated with relatively lower levels of depression among groups with higher levels of health promotion behaviors compared to those with lower levels. Based on these results, implications for practical interventions and policies to enhance health promotion behaviors and expand social networks among middle-aged adults are discussed.