(Special Issue) The Effects of Psychological Capital on Active Aging Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Well-Being and the Moderated Mediation Effect of Social Support
Author: Yueh-Chih Hsiao (Department of Technology Application and Human Resource Development, National Taiwan Normal University), Ching-Yu Huang (Wu Gu Elementary School, Wuku District, New Taipei City)
Vol.&No.：Vol. 70, No. 4
Date：December 2025
Pages：25-56
DOI：https://doi.org/10.6209/JORIES.202512_70(4).0002
Abstract：
Research Motivation and Objectives
Active aging emphasizes enhancing physical, psychological, and social well-being to improve quality of life throughout the aging process. Rather than being limited to those aged 65 and above, it should be viewed as a dynamic, lifelong process that ideally begins in midlife a critical period marked by physiological decline, changing social roles, and reduced autonomy. These transitions often lead to increased psychological stress, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can lower life satisfaction and reduce social participation. Promoting active aging from midlife through the development of personal and social resources is therefore essential to reducing future dependence on social welfare and supporting well-being in later life. However, most research to date has focused on older adults, with limited attention given to the middle-aged population.
Recent studies, such as Xin and Li (2023), have highlighted psychological capital a key construct in positive psychology as a promising perspective for understanding active aging. In alignment with this, the 2024 Policy White Paper on Midlife and Older Adult Education by National Taiwan Normal University underscores the need for integrating learning into daily life to foster autonomy, mental and physical health, and social interaction. These insights collectively suggest that psychological literacy is a vital component in promoting active aging.
Given this context, this study investigates how personal psychological resources, particularly psychological capital and well-being, contribute to active aging. Although prior research has linked psychological capital to greater life satisfaction and well-being, few studies have systematically examined its indirect influence on active aging through well-being within a clear theoretical framework. To address this gap, the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory is applied to test the mediating role of well-being.
In addition, recognizing the importance of social interaction in the aging process, this study explores whether social support an external resource enhances the effect of psychological capital. Based on COR theory, personal and social resources may interact synergistically to form resource gain spirals that foster adaptability. Thus, the second objective is to examine whether social support moderates the relationship between psychological capital and well-being, and whether it contributes to a moderated mediation effect on active aging through well-being.
Literature Review
1. The Relationship Among Psychological Capital, Well-Being, and Active Aging
As individuals age, they often face physiological decline, changes in social roles, retirement adaptation, and a shrinking social network, all of which may lead to resource loss and increased psychological stress (da Silva-Sauer et al., 2021; Ouwehand et al., 2007). According to the COR theory, individuals strive to preserve and acquire resources when coping with stress in order to maintain psychological stability and optimal functioning (Hobfoll, 1989, 2001; Hobfoll et al., 2018). Psychological capital an internal resource comprising self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism plays a crucial role in helping individuals adapt to the challenges of aging (Avey et al., 2010; Luthans et al., 2007). Research has consistently shown that higher psychological capital enhances individuals’ ability to cope with life challenges and improves their well-being (Rabenu et al., 2017; Wu et al., 2017; Youssef & Luthans, 2007; Youssef‐Morgan & Luthans, 2015).
Even in the face of health and social stressors, older adults can maintain successful aging by leveraging accumulated resources (Kahana et al., 2012). Well-being is a critical psychological resource that enhances individuals’ adaptive capacity and supports vitality and social engagement in later life (Diener et al., 1999). Those with higher well-being are more likely to engage in health-promoting activities, such as exercise and volunteering, thus achieving active aging (Litwin & Shiovitz-Ezra, 2006).
Prior studies support this proposition. For example, Shang et al. (2023) found that well-being significantly mediated the relationship between serious leisure and active aging. From the COR theory, Li and Lin (2016) demonstrated that psychological capital enhances organizational citizenship behavior via well-being. These findings support the notion that resource gain initiates a virtuous cycle that generates further resources (Halbesleben et al., 2014; Hobfoll, 2011). Accordingly, individuals with high psychological capital are more likely to experience greater well-being, which in turn fosters active aging. This mediation mechanism reflects the cumulative and reinforcing nature of psychological resources in promoting aging adaptation.
2. The Moderating and Moderated Mediation Role of Social Support
Resource effects are often influenced by external contextual factors, among which social support is particularly crucial for aging individuals. Individuals adapt to new life transitions not only through internal psychological mechanisms but also through supportive social environments. Studies have shown that emotional support moderates the relationship between perceived health and life satisfaction (Dumitrache et al., 2017), and higher perceived social support is associated with better mental health in older adults (Fu et al., 2023). Chawla and Sharma (2019) further highlighted the moderating role of social support in amplifying the positive impact of psychological capital on well-being.
According to COR theory, when individuals possess multiple resources, a resource gain spiral may occur, wherein one resource reinforces another (Hobfoll, 2011; Hobfoll et al., 2018). Based on this theoretical perspective, the present study not only examines the moderating effect of social support on the link between psychological capital and well-being but also explores its role in a moderated mediation model. Specifically, we propose that high levels of social support enhance the positive impact of psychological capital on well-being, which in turn strengthens the pathway toward active aging.
Methodology
Two university professors were invited to review the questionnaire for expert validity prior to data collection. The survey was then administered to 212 middle-aged and older adults participating in the Fitness for Health: Muscle Endurance Training program in New Taipei City, with most respondents aged 45-55 (58.5%). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using JASP 17.3 was conducted to assess the reliability, validity, and model fit of the instruments. Subsequently, correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. The PROCESS macro was employed to test mediation, moderation, and moderated mediation effects.
Finding
This study yielded three key findings: 1. Psychological capital significantly promotes active aging through the mediating role of well-being. 2. Social support moderates the relationship between psychological capital and well-being, with stronger effects observed among those with higher levels of support. 3. A moderated mediation effect was confirmed, indicating that social support amplifies the indirect effect of psychological capital on active aging via well-being.
Discussion and Suggestion
This study found that psychological capital significantly enhances well-being among middle-aged and older adults. Educational programs should therefore include modules that strengthen psychological capital such as resilience training, optimism development, and self-efficacy building through strategies like scenario-based learning and positive psychology interventions. Integrating health promotion with mental health literacy, including personalized health planning and aging-related knowledge, can further support active aging goals.
Additionally, social support was shown to amplify the positive impact of psychological capital on well-being. Thus, aging education should emphasize social and emotional support by incorporating group activities, role-playing, and intergenerational learning to foster connection and social capital. Family-based programs may also enhance support networks and promote a positive aging environment.
Keywords：psychological capital, social support, well-being, active aging, conservation of resources theory