Moderating Role of Psychological Well-being and Social Support in the Relationship between Psychological Distress and Quality of Life among Retirees

Authors

  • Sehrish Naeem Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of the Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2049-6633
  • Awais Khalid Visiting Faculty (Psychology), Department of Allied Subjects, University of Narowal, New Campus, Narowal, Pakistan.
  • Sara Komal Lecturer, Department of Applied Psychology, University of Sahiwal, Sahiwal, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9889-1124

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52053/jpap.v7i1.479

Keywords:

Psychological Distress, Psychological Well-being, Quality of Life, Social Support

Abstract

The primary objective of the study was to investigate the moderating roles of psychological well-being and social support in the relationship between psychological distress and quality of life among retirees in the cultural context of Pakistan. Data were collected using a snowball sampling technique from retirees aged 65 and above with at least five years of government service. This correlational study employed standardized questionnaires, including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (short version, 21 items), a psychological well-being scale, a social support questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Psychological distress showed a significant negative correlation with psychological well-being, social support, and quality of life. Furthermore, psychological well-being was strongly and positively correlated with social support and quality of life, and social support demonstrated a significant positive association with quality of life. Moderation analyses were conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS Macro version 4.2 (Model 1), which revealed that social support significantly moderated the association between psychological distress and quality of life, whereas psychological well-being did not. The study concludes with implications, suggesting that strengthening social support networks may help mitigate the adverse effects of psychological distress on retirees’ quality of life.

Author Biographies

Sehrish Naeem, Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of the Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan.

 

 

 

Awais Khalid, Visiting Faculty (Psychology), Department of Allied Subjects, University of Narowal, New Campus, Narowal, Pakistan.

 

 

 

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

Naeem, S., Khalid, A., & Komal, S. (2026). Moderating Role of Psychological Well-being and Social Support in the Relationship between Psychological Distress and Quality of Life among Retirees. Journal of Professional & Applied Psychology, 7(1), 23–31. https://doi.org/10.52053/jpap.v7i1.479