The impact of perceived stress on life satisfaction and moderating role of social support: a study in COVID-19 normalization process

Turkey started the process of transition to normal life with the decrease in the number of cases and deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. After this transition period, the continuation of the negative effects of staying at home and withdrawing from social life, especially for patients aged 50 and over, has become controversial. The present study examines the relationship between stress levels and life satisfaction of patients aged 50 and over in the post-epidemic normalization process and evaluate whether social support had a moderating role. A total of 288 patients completed the measures of social support, perceived stress, and life satisfaction. The results show that the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction is shaped by social support (moderator) and when social support increases, the negative effect of perceived stress on life satisfaction decreases. Additionally, there are significant relationships between life satisfaction, stress and social support variables. In conclusion, this study provided some evidence that social support and perceived stress may be critical indicators of life satisfaction.