Loneliness Exacerbates the Association Between Bodily Pain and Depressive Symptoms Among Middle-Aged and Older Latinx Adults.

<b>Objectives:</b> To investigate the associations between three bodily pain dimensions (intensity, frequency, severity) and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Latinxs ages 40-94 and to determine whether loneliness conditioned the pain-depressive symptoms associations. <b>Methods:</b> Data are from a community-based study of community-dwelling residents in Florida (<i>N</i> = 527). Multivariable linear regression models assessed the impact of each pain dimension on depressive symptoms, controlling for sociodemographic factors. Interactions determined whether loneliness moderated the pain-depressive symptoms relationships. <b>Results:</b> Each pain dimension was positively associated with depressive symptoms (<i>p</i> &lt; .01). Loneliness modified the impact of pain frequency and pain severity on depressive symptoms. Those with moderate and high loneliness levels experienced an amplified pain-depressive symptoms association. <b>Discussion:</b> Findings underscore the synergistic effects of pain and loneliness in exacerbating depressive symptomatology among middle-aged and older Latinx adults. Loneliness is an important point of intervention to improve mental health among aging Latinxs.