Resourcefulness As a Mediator in the Relationship Between Self-perceived Burden and Depression Among the Young and Middle-aged Stroke Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective: To explore the relationships among self-perceived burden, resourcefulness and depression, and to study further whether resourcefulness mediates the effects of self-perceived burden on depression in young and middle-aged stroke patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1050 young and middle-aged stroke patients. We used a general demographic questionnaire, Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS), Resourcefulness Scale© (RS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) to assess self-perceived burden, resourcefulness, and depression. Statistical methods included correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, and structural equation model.

Results: 1018 valid questionnaires were collected with a response rate of 96.95%. Resourcefulness was inversely correlated with self-perceived burden ( = -0.367,  < 0.01) and depression ( = -0.625,  < 0.01); Self-perceived burden was positively associated with depression ( = 0.698,  < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that resourcefulness mediated the effects of self-perceived burden on depression; The structural equation model demonstrated that the resourcefulness mediated the relationship between self-perceived burden and depression.

Conclusion: Resourcefulness is a mediator between self-perceived burden and depression. Medical staff adjust the psychological state of stroke patients based on the theory of resourcefulness, thereby improving their problem-solving ability, actively encouraging patients to establish problem-solving strategies, providing disease rehabilitation knowledge and skills, and promoting the improvement of resourcefulness level.