Autonomy, Sociocultural Reform and Depression Among Saudi Women: Moderating Effects of Driving Status, Age, Marital Status and Social Support in The Post-2018 Era

Huda Othman Alghamdi, Roseliza Murni Ab Rahman, Rozmi Ismail, Abdul Rahman Ahmad Badayai

Abstract


Depression among Saudi women remains a significant public health concern influenced by cultural, demographic, and psychosocial factors. Drawing on gender theory and social determinants of mental health, this study examined the moderating roles of driving status, age, marital status, and perceived social support on the relationships between depressive spiral, attitudes toward aging, and depression among Saudi women. The study utilized a cross-sectional correlational design with a sample of 593 Saudi women aged between 27 and 39 years. Data were collected using several instruments, including the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with bootstrapping was employed to analyze direct, mediating, and moderating impacts. The findings indicate a significant association between depressive spiral, negative attitudes toward aging, and depression. While driving status did not significantly moderate these relationships, the analysis indicated that age, marital status, and social support moderated the impact on depression, with increased independence, older age, stable marriage, and stronger social support reducing the risk. Factors such as mobility, social interactions, and demographic characteristics act as protective factors against depression among Saudi women. By situating these findings within the context of post-2018 sociocultural reforms in Saudi Arabia, this study offers new empirical insight into how gendered autonomy and social relations shape women’s mental health. Future research should consider conducting longitudinal studies to investigate the impact of socioeconomic status and mental health history.

 


Keywords


Depression; Mental health; Culture; Psychosocial; Marital status; Social support.

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/ebangi.2026.2301.10

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