Abstract: Based on CLHLS data of four periods, a multivariate ordered Logit model was established to analyze the effects of three dimensions of social support, including family support, social participation and social security, on the mental health of widowed elderly people in rural areas. The results showed that the physical quality and psychological quality of the elderly widowed in rural areas showed the same extension trend. The effect of most social support on the mental health of the elderly widowed in rural areas was the enhancement of the main effect. However, when children's economic support was the only source of old-age support, the mental health of the elderly was significantly reduced. However, when the old-age insurance was the economic security, the intergenerational economic support no longer caused psychological stress to the elderly, and the two have a "synergistic effect" on the mental health of the elderly widowed in rural areas. The government should start from the aspects of ideological education, financial investment and policy guarantee to improve the mental health of widowed elderly people in rural areas.

Key words: family support, social participation, social security, widowed elderly people in rural areas, mental health