Perceived Mastery and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in Urban Pakistan: A Contextualized Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

Depression is a significant yet underexplored mental health concern among older adults in Pakistan, where cultural stigma and limited institutional support often hinder diagnosis and care. This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived mastery and depressive symptoms among older adults in urban Lahore, while assessing the moderating influence of gender and living arrangements. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 100 participants aged 55–75 years through purposive sampling. Two standardized instruments, the Geriatric Depression Scale–Short Form (GDS-SF) and the Pearlin and Schooler Mastery Scale, were administered alongside a pilot-tested Perceived Institutional Mastery Index (PIMI). Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 27) through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, t-tests, and linear regression. Results indicated a significant negative correlation between mastery and depression (r = –0.45, p < .001), with lower mastery among women and institutional residents. The study concludes that Mastery serves as a key protective psychological factor against depression in older age. It recommends developing gender-sensitive and autonomy-enhancing mental health programs and integrating mastery-based interventions into community and institutional care to improve geriatric well-being in collectivist societies.