The Impact of Social Risk Perception on Depressive Symptoms across Generations in South Korea: The Moderating Role of Social Isolation

Background and Purpose: The emergence of a "risk society" in modern times has led to the proliferation of complex and unpredictable risks, resulting in mental health challenges primarily associated with anxiety about future uncertainties. The privatization of these risks (Calhoun, 2006) necessitates individuals to cope independently, eroding social bonds and institutional support. In South Korea, rapid state-led modernization prioritizing economic growth has amplified social risks while neglecting individuals’ protection, leading to widespread social isolation. This isolation, stemming from weakened connections within private and public networks, has exacerbated the mental health impacts, particularly depressive symptoms. Considering the variability in different generations’ experiences of primary social risk events, this study investigates the association between social risk perception (SRP) and depressive symptoms across age groups in South Korea, while examining the moderating role of social isolation.

Methods: Data from the “2021 Survey on Social and Economic Crises and Social Integration” in South Korea were analyzed, encompassing 1,248 young adults (ages 19-38), 1,582 middle-aged individuals (ages 39-58), and 1,005 elderly individuals (aged 58 and above). SRP was measured based on participants' reported anxiety levels across seven risk domains: natural disasters, health, life-cycle changes, social interactions, economic stability, political situations, and environmental issues. Social isolation was determined by the absence of both private and public support in three specific scenarios, and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the CESD-11 scale. A latent moderated structural equation model was employed for data analysis in Mplus 8.3.

Results: Mean scores for SRP and depressive symptoms varied across age groups, with social isolation percentages of 4.5% among young adults, 8.2% among middle-aged adults, and 8.4% among the elderly. The model fit indices for young adults (RMSEA=.039, CFI=.955, SRMR=.041), middle-aged adults (RMSEA=.043, CFI=.942, SRMR=.036), and the elderly (RMSEA=.047, CFI=.916, SRMR=.040) were satisfactory. Significant moderating effects of social isolation on the relationship between SRP and depressive symptoms were observed in young (b=.39, SE=.14, p=.007) and middle-aged adults (b=.33, SE=.11, p=.002). Both moderating effects among young (b=.40, CI=0.12-0.68) and middle-aged adults (b=.35, CI=0.14-0.55) were only significant in isolated groups, highlighting the exacerbation of depressive symptoms under conditions of social isolation. Conversely, the elderly showed no significant effects from either SRP or social isolation on depressive symptoms.

Conclusions and Implications: The study confirms that SRP significantly predicts depressive symptoms in young and middle-aged adults in South Korea, particularly when compounded by social isolation. Conversely, the elderly, while aware of future risks, may not view these risks as personally relevant, contributing to resilience against severe depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted social policies and multi-level interventions that reinforce social networks and public safety nets to mitigate the adverse effects of social risks, especially when amplified by social isolation.