Fatima Raheem Mutlaq
Msc. Student Psychiatric and Mental Health Department/ College of Nursing University of Baghdad, Iraq
Iman Hussein Alwan
PhD, Psychiatric and Mental Health Department/ College of Nursing University of Baghdad, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Social support plays a crucial role in mitigating psychological distress, enhancing quality of life, and promoting overall well-being in elderly individuals after retirement. It serves as a protective factor against the adverse effects of stress and is associated with better mental and physical health outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that social support may also influence physiological markers of psychological well-being, including cortisol levels, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, IL-6), and neurotransmitter activity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of social support on psychological well-being among retired elderly individuals and explore potential associations with laboratory-based biomarkers of stress and mental health. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted at the General Retirement Department in Diyala City on a sample of 130 retired elderly individuals. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, comprising three sections: (a) sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, educational level, income, health status, and living arrangements), (b) the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and (c) the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Additionally, selected physiological biomarkers related to psychological stress and well-being were assessed, including serum cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serotonin levels. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The average age of the respondents was 65.5 ± 6 years, with a predominance of males (72.3%) and married individuals (79.2%). Nearly half (43.1%) reported barely sufficient income, while 61.5% described their health status as moderate. Most participants (96.9%) lived with their families. Social support was perceived as high in 59.2% of participants (M ± SD = 29.94 ± 4.289), while 40.8% reported moderate social support. Psychological well-being levels were moderate in 93.8% of retired individuals (M ± SD = 59.31 ± 4.985). Biochemical analyses revealed a significant inverse correlation between perceived social support and serum cortisol levels (p = 0.001), suggesting a stress-reducing effect. Additionally, higher social support was associated with lower CRP levels and increased serotonin levels, indicating a positive influence on mental health and inflammatory responses. Conclusion: The study confirms a strong correlation between social support and psychological well-being in retired elderly individuals, with significant associations observed in stress-related biomarkers. Adequate social support may not only improve psychological resilience but also contribute to better physiological health by reducing systemic inflammation and modulating stress hormone levels. These findings highlight the importance of integrating psychosocial and laboratory-based assessments in geriatric healthcare to promote holistic well-being in aging populations.
Keywords: Social Support, Psychological Well-being, Elderly, Retirement.
