The Role of Family Communication and Social Connectedness in Depression: The Mediating Effect of Loneliness

Abstract

This research aims to examine the role of family communication in relation to depression, with a focus on understanding how social connectedness also impacts depression. Additionally, the study investigates the mediating role of loneliness between family communication, social connectedness, and depression. The study adopts a quantitative research design, grounded in a positivist research philosophy. A deductive approach is used to test the theoretical relationships between the variables. The research population consists of children studying in special education schools in Bhakkar, with a total population of 2,000 students. A sample size of 200 children was selected using a simple random sampling technique to ensure a representative sample. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire. For data analysis, SPSS and Smart PLS SEM are used to assess the relationships between the variables. The findings of this study indicate a significant relationship between family communication and depression. The study also reveals a significant effect of social connectedness on depression. Furthermore, the findings show that loneliness plays a significant mediating role between family communication, social connectedness, and depression. This study emphasizes the importance of family and social interactions in understanding and addressing depression, offering insights that could help improve mental health interventions and promote better family and social well-being.