Negative stereotypes of aging, such as dependency, tend to paint a picture of older adults as frail or a burden on society. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the Fear of Dependency Scale and anxiety and depression, evaluating gender, age, and physical health as moderators. Findings suggest that age moderated the relationship between fear of dependency and depression and anxiety in women, with middle-aged women reporting the highest levels of depression and anxiety. Similarly, poor physical health in women with high fear of dependency was related to higher levels of depression and anxiety. Fear of dependency was related to higher levels of depression, but not anxiety in men. Age did not moderate the relationship between fear of dependency and mental health measures, but physical health did moderate the relationship. Men with poor perceived health and a high fear of dependency reported higher levels of depression.

中文翻译：

---

消极的老龄化刻板印象：对依赖的恐惧对中老年人焦虑和抑郁的影响（按性别进行检查）

对老龄化的负面刻板印象，例如依赖，往往会将老年人描绘成虚弱或社会负担的形象。本研究旨在探讨恐惧依赖量表与焦虑和抑郁之间的关系，评估性别、年龄和身体健康状况作为调节因素。研究结果表明，年龄调节了女性对依赖的恐惧与抑郁和焦虑之间的关系，其中中年女性的抑郁和焦虑程度最高。同样，高度害怕依赖的女性身体健康状况不佳与抑郁和焦虑程度较高有关。对依赖的恐惧与男性的抑郁程度较高有关，但与焦虑无关。年龄并没有调节对依赖的恐惧与心理健康指标之间的关系，但身体健康确实调节了这种关系。自我健康状况不佳且高度担心依赖的男性抑郁程度较高。