Investigating the Impact of Social Support on Happiness Progress in Army Retirees of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Introduction:  Various factors can be effective in promoting the happiness of retirees, including social support. The present study aimed to explain the relationship between social support and the development of retirees' happiness. Methods: The present study is a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population of the study was all retirees of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran living in Tehran. From this number, 600 army retirees living in Tehran were non-randomly selected as a statistical sample based on Cochran's formula. Participants filled the Oxford Happiness and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Multivariate regression test and Pearson correlation test using SPSS software (version 20) were used to analyze the data. Results: The results of the Pearson test showed a significant and positive correlation between social support and retirement happiness (P = 0.003). The results of the multiple regression test showed a significant relationship between social support and happiness in army retirees in Tehran (P = 0.039). In addition, the coefficient of determination between the two variables was 0.148 (R2= 0.148) which indicates that 14.8% of the changes in happiness in army retirees can be explained by social support. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, social support is significantly associated with happiness in retirees. A better understanding of such factors in the form of empirical studies can be effective in determining clearer cause-and-effect relationships between such variables and help to promote mental health among retirees. In addition, being aware of such factors can play a decisive role in improving the quality of life of respected retirees.