Depressive Symptoms Mediate Relationship of Social Support Sources and Loneliness Among Portuguese and Immigrant Population

The present study proposed a model analysing the indirect effect of depressive symptoms in the relationship between social support sources (family, friends and significant other), and loneliness among Portuguese and immigrant population. Survey data sample consisted of 300 participants (150 Portuguese and 150 immigrants) adults residing in Portugal. The bootstrap result for indirect effect of depressive symptoms was significant, indicating that social support sources (family, friends, and significant other) had a significant effect on loneliness through the role of depressive symptoms. Portuguese participants reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, perceived social support sources from friends and significant other compared to immigrant population. No gender differences were found between male and female participants and perception of the aforementioned variables. Moreover, participants in the Portuguese sample with age ranging from 18 to 30 years manifested higher levels of depressive symptoms and loneliness. Meanwhile, individuals with secondary education in both samples reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. This research advances our understanding of social support sources from family, friends and significant other among Portuguese and immigrant population while providing empirical data on the effect of depressive symptoms in the relation of social support and loneliness.