151
|
Wu P, Feng R, Zhang J. The relationship between loneliness and problematic social media usage in Chinese university students: a longitudinal study. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:13. [PMID: 38178215 PMCID: PMC10765645 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01498-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant number of cross-sectional studies have explored the correlation between loneliness and problematic social media use. However, the causal relationship between these two key variables remains controversial, and the developmental relationship over time is unclear. METHODS We conducted a one-year longitudinal study with 538 Chinese college students using questionnaires and employing cross-lagged and latent growth models to investigate the causal relationship and developmental dynamics between loneliness and problematic social media use. RESULTS The results indicate that (a) loneliness and problematic social media use mutually and positively influence each other, establishing a bidirectional causal relationship; (b) Chinese college students experience a gradual increase in levels of loneliness and problematic social media use during their time in college; and (c) the intercept and slope of loneliness significantly and positively affect the intercept and slope of problematic social media use, and conversely, the intercept and slope of problematic social media use significantly and positively influence the intercept and slope of loneliness. CONCLUSION These findings reveal the longitudinal relationship between loneliness and problematic social media use among Chinese college students and offer insights for researchers and educators to intervene in college students' loneliness and problematic social media use from a developmental perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peibo Wu
- Institute of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
- Zhong Yuan Institute of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Feng
- Institute of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China.
- Propaganda Department, Taizhou University, Taizhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jindan Zhang
- Institute of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
152
|
Köster F, Lipps O. How loneliness increased among different age groups during COVID-19: a longitudinal analysis. Eur J Ageing 2024; 21:2. [PMID: 38170323 PMCID: PMC10764689 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-023-00798-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic entailed restrictions that hampered face-to-face interactions and social gatherings. In this paper, we examine whether loneliness increased to different extents among age groups due to these restrictions, and if these differences were mediated by specific life course conditions. Based on longitudinal data from the Swiss Household Panel, our results show that loneliness increased disproportionately among younger individuals during the pandemic. This finding aligns with the social convoy model and the socioemotional selectivity theory, which postulate a decline of social network size over the life course. It also corresponds to findings indicating a decrease in contact frequency with increasing age. Individuals aged 30 years and above experienced a lower increase in loneliness when they lived in shared households; however, this protective effect was not observed for younger individuals. Living together with a partner, being male, and not anticipating health complications in case of a COVID-19 infection moderated the increases of loneliness, but they were independent of age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Köster
- LIVES, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Oliver Lipps
- Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences (FORS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Sociology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
153
|
Irigoyen-Otiñano M, Porras-Segovia A, Vega-Sánchez DDL, Arenas-Pijoan L, Agraz-Bota M, Torterolo G, Sánchez-Cazalilla M, Fuentes-Casany D, Adrados-Pérez M, Puigdevall-Ruestes M. Psychiatric Emergencies and Suicide Attempts Before and During COVID-19 Lockdown in Spain. CRISIS 2024; 45:8-17. [PMID: 36637085 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the mental health of the population. The lockdown period in Spain - from March 14 to June 21, 2020 - was particularly stressful. This study aims to examine the differences in visits to the emergency department for psychiatric reasons before and during the lockdown period in a hospital in the province of Lleida (Catalonia, Spain), which has a catchment area of 431,183 inhabitants. We hope that this study can contribute to the understanding of this difficult period in our recent history and help us to be prepared in case of new social emergencies that may affect the mental health of the general population. Aims: This study aims to examine the differences in ER visits due to psychiatric reasons before and during the COVID-19 lockdown period in a province hospital in Spain. Methods: We compared the n = 1,599 visits to the emergency room and their characteristics before (June 13 to March 13, 2020) and during (March 14 to June 21, 2020) the lockdown period in the province of Lerida, Spain. Data were obtained from the electronic health records. Information collected included sociodemographic variables, reason for consultation, previous diagnosis, and characteristics of suicidal ideation and attempts - including history of previous suicidal behavior, method, days spent in the ER, suicide reattempts at 6-month follow-up. Results: Before lockdown, there were an average of 11.2 psychiatric emergencies per day compared with 9.2 psychiatric emergencies per day during lockdown. Regarding suicidal behavior, before lockdown, there were an average of 0.9 suicide attempts before lockdown compared with 0.7 attempts per day during lockdown. Limitations: Since the data came from the electronic health records, we have relied on the clinical diagnosis made by different psychiatrists. Also, we did not record psychiatric comorbidities, but instead only registered one main Axis I diagnosis and one main Axis II diagnosis. Conclusions: We observed a decrease in the number of visits to the ER in general, as well as a lower frequency of patients with suicidal behavior during the first and only lockdown period in Spain, which occurred during the initial months of the pandemic. This is consistent with previous studies showing a reduction of suicidal behavior during periods of social emergency. However, this decrease could be only temporary, and several authors predict an increase of suicidal behavior in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. Ensuring access to mental healthcare during periods of crisis is crucial for the population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Irigoyen-Otiñano
- Psychiatry Service, Santa Maria de Lleida University Hospital, Lleida, Spain
- IRB Lleida, Spain
- Psychiatry Service, Vithas Lérida, Spain
| | | | - Diego de la Vega-Sánchez
- Psychiatry Service, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Arenas-Pijoan
- Psychiatry Service, Santa Maria de Lleida University Hospital, Lleida, Spain
| | - Marc Agraz-Bota
- Psychiatry Service, Santa Maria de Lleida University Hospital, Lleida, Spain
| | - Giovanni Torterolo
- Psychiatry Service, Santa Maria de Lleida University Hospital, Lleida, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
154
|
Yehene E, Asherman A, Goldzweig G, Simana H, Brezner A. Secondary traumatic stress among pediatric nurses: Relationship to peer-organizational support and emotional labor strategies. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 74:92-100. [PMID: 38029691 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even though the cost of caring is acknowledged in multiple helping professions, research into secondary traumatic stress in pediatric nursing remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among pediatric nurses and examine its correlation with demographics, perceived organizational support, peer support, and emotional labor strategies. DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 186 nurses working in a pediatric hospital completed questionnaires addressing secondary traumatic stress, perceived organizational support, peer support, and emotional labor strategies. Through correlational and mediation analyses, we explored the relationships between the study variables. RESULTS Approximately 77.8% of the pediatric nurses surveyed exhibited moderate to severe secondary traumatic stress. Notably, the level of secondary traumatic stress did not correlate with demographic variables. Increased peer support was significantly associated with a heightened use of all emotional labor strategies (surface acting, deep acting, and natural expression) and with elevated levels of secondary traumatic stress. However, surface acting was the sole mediator of this relationship. Conversely, greater perceived organizational support correlated with decreased levels of surface acting and secondary traumatic stress, with surface acting serving as the mediator. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric nurses are greatly impacted by secondary traumatic stress. Enhancing organizational support and carefully assessing peer support can reduce this, by decreasing nurses' need to suppress or feign genuine emotions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS To enhance nurses' psychological well-being, healthcare institutions should raise awareness of secondary traumatization and foster a supportive organizational environment that prioritizes effective team emotional support and evaluates collegial emotional labor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Einat Yehene
- School of Behavioral Sciences, the Academic College of Tel Aviv - Yaffo, Israel; Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Israel.
| | - Adi Asherman
- School of Behavioral Sciences, the Academic College of Tel Aviv - Yaffo, Israel
| | - Gil Goldzweig
- School of Behavioral Sciences, the Academic College of Tel Aviv - Yaffo, Israel
| | - Hadar Simana
- Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Amichai Brezner
- Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
155
|
Freilich CD, McGue M, South SC, Roisman GI, Krueger RF. Connecting loneliness with pathological personality traits: Evidence for genetic and environmental mediation from a study of older twins. Personal Disord 2024; 15:34-45. [PMID: 37498698 PMCID: PMC11166192 DOI: 10.1037/per0000635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness has broad public health importance, especially in older adulthood, and there is some evidence suggesting it is associated with several personality disorders (PDs). The etiology of these PD-loneliness associations, however, has rarely been studied, especially in the context of the maladaptive traits of the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorder (AMPD). To address these limitations, we estimated phenotypic, genetic, and unique environmental associations between loneliness and maladaptive personality traits in a sample of older adults from the Minnesota Twin Registry (n = 1,356, Mage = 70.4). Loneliness was moderately to strongly associated with each of the AMPD domains of negative affect, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism (r = .22-.58), with evidence of both genetic (rg = .45-.75) and unique environmental (re = .10-.48) influences explaining the associations to varying degrees. We argue that loneliness may be an underappreciated concomitant of personality pathology, with PD traits perhaps underlying its development. Indeed, these findings suggest that loneliness may be a manifestation of the genetic and environmental forces that also lead to pathological personality variation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matt McGue
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota
| | - Susan C South
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
156
|
Semin GR, DePhillips M, Gomes N. Investigating Inattentional Blindness Through the Lens of Fear Chemosignals. Psychol Sci 2024; 35:72-81. [PMID: 38019589 DOI: 10.1177/09567976231213572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Inattentional blindness is a phenomenon wherein people fail to perceive obvious stimuli within their vision, sometimes leading to dramatic consequences. Research on the effects of fear chemosignals suggests that they facilitate receivers' sensory acquisition. We aimed to examine the interplay between these phenomena, investigating whether exposure to fear chemosignals (vs. rest body odors) can reduce the inattentional-blindness handicap. Utilizing a virtual-reality aquarium, we asked participants to count how many morsels a school of fish consumed while two unexpected stimuli swam by. We predicted that participants exposed to fear chemosignals (N = 131) would detect unexpected stimuli significantly more often than participants exposed to rest body odors (N = 125). All participants were adult Portuguese university students aged 18 to 40 years. The results confirmed our hypothesis, χ2(1) = 6.10, p = .014, revealing that exposure to fear chemosignals significantly increased the detection of unexpected stimuli by about 10%. The implications of our findings open a novel avenue for reducing the adverse consequences of inattentional blindness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gün R Semin
- William James Center for Research, Institute of Applied Psychology (ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal)
| | | | - Nuno Gomes
- William James Center for Research, Institute of Applied Psychology (ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal)
- William James Center for Research, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro
| |
Collapse
|
157
|
Prada Crespo D, Montejo Carrasco P, Díaz-Mardomingo C, Villalba-Mora E, Montenegro-Peña M. Social Loneliness in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Predictive Factors and Associated Clinical Characteristics. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:697-714. [PMID: 38160358 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and social isolation are considered public health problems among older individuals. In addition, both increase the risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. The Social Loneliness construct has been proposed to refer to these harmful social interaction-related factors. OBJECTIVE To define the risk factors of Social Loneliness in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to analyze cognitive, emotional, and functional differences according to the participant's degree of Social Loneliness. METHODS Through convenience sampling, 105 participants over 60 diagnosed with MCI were selected. The evaluation consisted of anamnesis and a comprehensive neuropsychological examination. The ESTE-II questionnaire was used to assess Social Loneliness and its three factors: perceived social support, social participation, and use of communication technologies. Personality was measured with the NEO-FFI questionnaire. RESULTS The predictors of the Social Loneliness factors were as follows; 1) perceived social support (R2 = 0.33): Neuroticism (β= 0.353), depression (β= 0.205), and perceived health (β= 0.133); 2) social participation (R2 = 0.24): Conscientiousness (β= -0.344) and Extraversion (β= -0.263); 3) use of communication technologies (R2 = 0.44): age (β= 0.409), type of cohabitation (β= 0.331), cognitive reserve (β= -0.303), and Conscientiousness (β= -0.247); all p < 0.05. The participants with a higher degree of Social Loneliness showed more depressive symptoms (R2 = 0.133), more memory complaints (R2 = 0.086), worse perceived health (R2 = 0.147), lower attentional performance/processing speed (R2 = 0.094), and more naming difficulties (R2 = 0.132); all p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS This research represents an advance in detecting individuals with MCI and an increased risk of developing Social Loneliness, which influences the configuration of the clinical profile of MCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Prada Crespo
- Department of Basic Psychology I, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (EIDUNED), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Díaz-Mardomingo
- Department of Basic Psychology I, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación-Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Villalba-Mora
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Montenegro-Peña
- Center for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Madrid City Council, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
158
|
Chua CMS, Chua JYX, Shorey S. Effectiveness of home-based interventions in improving loneliness and social connectedness among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:1-10. [PMID: 37466183 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2237919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of home-based interventions in improving loneliness and social connectedness (primary outcomes), and depressive symptoms (secondary outcome) among older adults. METHODS Eight electronic databases were searched from inception dates to February 2022. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to appraise the included studies. RESULTS Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included. Home-based interventions were found to significantly increase older adults' social connectedness (social support and social engagement) and reduce their loneliness and depressive symptoms. Subgroup analyses suggested that interventions which lasted more than three months and were delivered using mixed platforms were more favorable. Both professional-led and volunteer-led interventions showed favorable results. CONCLUSIONS Future studies could be conducted in varied geographical regions and consider carrying out follow-up assessments. Home-based interventions could be improved by being more than months, delivered by mixed personnel, and using mixed platforms. Considering the low-quality rating by the GRADE approach, future research is needed to confirm current findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Min Siu Chua
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joelle Yan Xin Chua
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
159
|
Crowe CL, Liu L, Bagnarol N, Fried LP. Loneliness prevention and the role of the Public Health system. Perspect Public Health 2024; 144:31-38. [PMID: 35815809 DOI: 10.1177/17579139221106579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate evidence on loneliness interventions that have been assessed and found effective, both for remediation and addressing fundamental causes of loneliness; to consider why population-level primary prevention strategies targeting fundamental causes are necessary, and determine areas for future research; and to outline an integrated approach to prevention considering roles for the Public Health system. METHOD We conducted a review of systematic reviews to identify effective loneliness interventions and classified them in our Population-Prevention Matrix according to public health impact, amount of individual effort required, and level of prevention. We also highlighted emerging interventions that have yet to be formally evaluated. RESULTS We identified a range of preventive or therapeutic approaches, and a dearth of population-level primary prevention interventions targeting fundamental causes of loneliness. Filling this gap will be essential in addressing the loneliness epidemic, and we provided emerging examples of population-level primary prevention interventions that may inform future efforts. CONCLUSION Based on evidence to date, we suggest an integrated approach to prevention with significant roles for the US Public Health system, including its function as Chief Health Strategist to lead and guide multisystem approaches to loneliness prevention, with a particular focus on population-level primary prevention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L Crowe
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - L Liu
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA*; National University Health System, Singapore
| | - N Bagnarol
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA; New York City Health and Hospitals, New York, NY, USA
| | - L P Fried
- Dean and DeLamar Professor of Public Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
160
|
Chang CS, Wu CC, Chang LY, Chang HY. Associations between social loneliness trajectories and chronotype among adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:179-191. [PMID: 36752940 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02160-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Late chronotype during adolescence is a critical risk factor for poor physical and mental health among adolescents. While social loneliness is confirmed to negatively influence sleep behaviors, the long-term effect of social loneliness on chronotype remains unknown. This study aims to investigate whether social loneliness trajectories from middle childhood to adolescence are associated with chronotype in late adolescence and examine the potential sex differences in these associations. Data were obtained from 2398 adolescents who participated in the Child and Adolescent Behaviors in Long-Term Evolution project. Chronotype was calculated as the midpoint of sleep on free days adjusted for sleep debt. Group-based trajectory modeling and multiple linear regression were employed to establish social loneliness trajectories and determine their associations with chronotype. Social loneliness trajectories were significantly associated with chronotype and varied by sex. Specifically, boys following a high-decreasing trajectory had earlier chronotype during late adolescence than did those following a low-decreasing trajectory (B = - 0.07; p < 0.05). By contrast, girls following a low-to-moderate-increasing trajectory exhibited later chronotype than did those following a low-stable trajectory (B = 0.07; p < 0.01). Social loneliness trajectories, especially those displaying significant fluctuations over time, are critical indicators influencing chronotype among adolescents. Furthermore, these trajectories and their associations with chronotype display sex differences. These findings highlight the need for early interventions for psychological factors such as social loneliness to ensure that the late chronotype can be prevented. In addition, sex variations must be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Shuan Chang
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Room 622, 6F, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chen Wu
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yin Chang
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Room 622, 6F, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
| | - Hsing-Yi Chang
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
161
|
Kim MK, Park JH, Han DS, Park HY. Application of a cognitive program with a comprehensive strategy feedback for Korean older adults. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 55:213-220. [PMID: 38016203 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the effect of a cognitive program with a comprehensive strategy feedback on the cognitive function and memory self-efficacy of community-dwelling older adults and explores its applicability in Korea. The study employed a group pre-posttest design on 10 cognitively normal older participants. The four-week cognitive program involved daily completion of cognitive tasks at home using CoTras-Pro 2 and remotely provided individual non-face-to-face feedback. Additionally, biweekly face-to-face group feedback sessions were conducted with five participants. The Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Korean-Color Word Stroop Test, and the Memory Self-Efficacy Questionnaire were used. Post-interviews were conducted to collect feedback. The program exerted a notable positive impact on cognitive function and memory self-efficacy. A study designed as a large-scale program conducted in collaboration with community-based public and private organizations holds the potential to be modeled for similar intervention programs involving a large number of participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Kyeong Kim
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Master's Degree, 1, Yonseidae-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyuk Park
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Professor, 1, Yonseidae-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Sung Han
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Science, Sangji University, Professor, 83, Sangjidae-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Yean Park
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Professor, 1, Yonseidae-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
162
|
Nguyen LT, Prophater LE, Fazio S, Hülür G, Tate R, Sherwin K, Shatzer J, Peterson LJ, Haley WE. Project VITAL at Home: Impact of Technology on Loneliness and Well-Being of Family Caregivers of People with Dementia. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:149-160. [PMID: 36111824 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2022.2123726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Project VITAL At Home aimed to combat social isolation and loneliness in family caregivers of people with dementia through purposeful engagement and connection. This project examined the effects of technology on caregiver loneliness and well-being, as well as their technology experiences, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Family caregivers were provided iN2L tablets and access to Alzheimer's Association supportive programs. Caregivers (n = 124) completed online surveys at pre and post evaluation points (average 7 months apart) to assess loneliness, subjective well-being (affect), supportive program usage, and tablet experiences. RESULTS Family caregivers had positive perceptions of the tablets for both themselves and their family members. Tablets had positive effects on caregiver well-being, including giving them an additional caregiver tool, alleviating stress, increasing satisfaction with quiet time, and improving access to supportive programs. Caregiver positive affect decreased, but no changes were observed for negative affect or loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Family caregivers found value in the tablets and showed improvements in some aspects of well-being. Randomized trials are needed to more fully assess the benefits of the intervention. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Pairing tablets with caregiving supports is a promising intervention to improve caregivers' access to vital resources and services and to improve their well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia T Nguyen
- Product Management, iN2L, Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Sam Fazio
- Care & Support, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gizem Hülür
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Rio Tate
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Kasia Sherwin
- Care & Support, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Julie Shatzer
- Care & Support, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lindsay J Peterson
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - William E Haley
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
163
|
Georgescu MF, Beydoun MA, Ashe J, Maino Vieytes CA, Beydoun HA, Evans MK, Zonderman AB. Loneliness, Dementia Status, and Their Association with All-Cause Mortality Among Older US Adults. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:753-772. [PMID: 38701144 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Loneliness, dementia, and mortality are interconnected. Objective We aimed at understanding mediating pathways and interactions between loneliness and dementia in relation to mortality risk. Methods The study tested bi-directional relationships between dementia, loneliness, and mortality, by examining both interactions and mediating effects in a large sample of older US adults participating in the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study. Out of≤6,468 older participants selected in 2010, with mean baseline age of 78.3 years and a follow-up time up to the end of 2020, 3,298 died at a rate of 64 per 1,000 person-years (P-Y). Cox proportional hazards and four-way decomposition models were used. Results Algorithmically defined dementia status (yes versus no) was consistently linked with a more than two-fold increase in mortality risk. Dementia status and Ln(odds of dementia) were strongly related with mortality risk across tertiles of loneliness score. Loneliness z-score was also linked to an elevated risk of all-cause mortality regardless of age, sex, or race or ethnicity, and its total effect (TE) on mortality was partially mediated by Ln(odds of dementia), z-scored, (≤40% of the TE was a pure indirect effect). Conversely, a small proportion (<5%) of the TE of Ln(odds of dementia), z-scored, on mortality risk was explained by the loneliness z-score. Conclusions In sum, dementia was positively associated with all-cause mortality risk, in similar fashion across loneliness score tertiles, while loneliness was associated with mortality risk. TE of loneliness on mortality risk was partially mediated by dementia odds in reduced models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Georgescu
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - May A Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jason Ashe
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christian A Maino Vieytes
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hind A Beydoun
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michele K Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alan B Zonderman
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
164
|
Pecchinenda A, Yankouskaya A, Boccia M, Piccardi L, Guariglia C, Giannini AM. Exploring the relationship between perceived loneliness and subjective cognitive decline in older individuals. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:73-82. [PMID: 37540497 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2242291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Loneliness has been associated to a greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older individuals. However, evidence on whether this association also exists for older individuals who complain of cognitive problems is limited. We conducted a survey to examine the association between subjective cognitive decline in the working memory domain, perceived loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress in older individuals with different profiles. METHODS A total of 302 healthy, old individuals completed 3 questionnaires to assess subjective cognitive problems in attention, executive functions, storage, depression, anxiety, stress, and perceived loneliness. RESULTS We conducted a cluster analysis and 3 clusters of individuals with different profiles emerged. Individuals with greater subjective cognitive problems (cluster 1) in the attention and storage domains, reported higher perceived loneliness and stress but not depression. In contrast, individuals with the least subjective cognitive problems (cluster 3) in the storage domain, reported lower perceived loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with higher subjective cognitive decline also report higher levels of perceived loneliness but not more depression than their peers. However, this correlation is present only for individuals with mild subjective cognitive decline (cluster 2). The implications for future research and interventions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pecchinenda
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maddalena Boccia
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Piccardi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- San Raffaele Cassino Hospital, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Cecilia Guariglia
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
165
|
Nicolaisen M, Thorsen K. Gender Differences in Loneliness Over Time: A 15-Year Longitudinal Study of Men and Women in the Second Part of Life. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2024; 98:103-132. [PMID: 37563853 DOI: 10.1177/00914150231194243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that in old age, women are lonelier than men. Gender differences in loneliness are often explained by gender differences in longevity, social status and loss, health, and mobility-well-established predictors that may influence loneliness differently in "younger" (40-59 years) and "older" (60-80 years) groups of men and women in the second part of life. This study explores loneliness in men and women ages 40 to 80 years at baseline over a 15-year period using panel data from three waves of the Norwegian Life Course, Ageing and Generation Study (N = 2,315). Our analyses show that women were more lonely than men also in adjusted analyses. Logistic regression analyses indicated that loss of a partner and poor mental health are prospectively related to loneliness among men and women, whereas other factors like becoming a partner, stable singlehood, and poor physical health were related to loneliness among women but not men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magnhild Nicolaisen
- The Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsten Thorsen
- The Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
166
|
Jamalishahni T, Davern M, Villanueva K, Turrell G, Foster S. The contribution of objective and perceived crime to neighbourhood socio-inequity in loneliness. Health Place 2024; 85:103165. [PMID: 38183728 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness tends to be more prevalent in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, yet few studies explore the environmental differences contributing to area-based inequity in loneliness. This study examined how perceived and objective crime contributed to differences in loneliness between advantaged and disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The study used cross-sectional data from 3749 individuals aged between 48 and 77 years, residing in 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. We found that participants in disadvantaged neighbourhoods reported higher levels of loneliness and perceived crime, and the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods also had highest prevalence of objective crime. However, while perceived and objective crime were positively correlated with loneliness, only perceived crime accounted for socio-economic inequity in loneliness. Consequently, perceived crime plays an important role in addressing loneliness in disadvantaged communities and requires equitable resourcing for multiple strategies that aim to decrease crime and increase perceived safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara Jamalishahni
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia.
| | - Melanie Davern
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia; Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Global and Population Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Karen Villanueva
- Policy and Equity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Gavin Turrell
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Sarah Foster
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
167
|
Manns A, Torregrossa H, Mahdjoub S, Gomajee R, Melchior M, El-Khoury Lesueur F. Do Determinants of Smoking Cessation and Relapse Differ between Men and Women? Data from a French National Study. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:167-176. [PMID: 37813814 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2267106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: There is limited understanding of different predictors of smoking cessation success (SCS) among women and men, despite well-documented differences in smoking behavior.Methods: Using data from DePICT (Description des Perceptions, Images, et Comportements liés au Tabagisme), a national survey of French adults which recruited 2377 regular and former smokers we investigated whether major determinants of SCS differed by sex. Factors associated with unsuccessful vs. No successful quit attempt; vs. SCS were studied using multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses stratified by sex.Results: Women and men share some determinants of SCS including no cannabis use, living in a nonsmoker household and importance giving to being a nonsmoker. However, no e-cigarette use, low-to-moderate alcohol consumption, early smoking initiation, and higher education were associated with SCS only among women. No use of nicotine replacement, having family members who smoke, family opinion on smoking and current employment, were associated with SCS only among men. Neutral or negative friends' opinion on smoking or living with a smoker were associated with unsuccessful smoking attempts among men.Conclusions: Our results show differences between determinants of SCS according to sex, which highlights the importance of developing tailored interventions that account for sex/gender differences in smoking cessation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélia Manns
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Torregrossa
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Mahdjoub
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | - Ramchandar Gomajee
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | - Maria Melchior
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | - Fabienne El-Khoury Lesueur
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, IPLESP, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
168
|
Jin J, Ikeda H. The Role of Empathic Communication in the Relationship between Servant Leadership and Workplace Loneliness: A Serial Mediation Model. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 14:4. [PMID: 38275346 PMCID: PMC10812758 DOI: 10.3390/bs14010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Researchers have increasingly concentrated on loneliness in the workplace as a crucial factor influencing the mental health of employees and the viability of telework. In contrast, the current understanding of the strategies mitigating workplace loneliness and how leaders utilize their behaviors to impact followers' loneliness remains limited. Since servant leadership values the emotional needs of followers and displays a high level of empathy, this study investigated the direct and indirect effects of servant leadership on workplace loneliness. In this study, 267 employees (mean age = 31.5 years) from 28 provinces in China were recruited to participate in this survey. We proposed that servant leaders motivate their own empathic communication and other followers' empathic communication to reduce lonely followers' workplace loneliness. This research further examined the relationship between the leader's and colleagues' empathic communication, and the two jointly mediate the connection between servant leadership and followers' workplace loneliness. We constructed a serial mediation model to examine the relationships between servant leadership, leader's empathic communication, colleagues' empathic communication, and workplace loneliness. The results indicate that servant leadership creates a cycle of empathy and provides insights into building a culture of empathy to improve employee well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Jin
- Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 8190382, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ikeda
- Faculty of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 8190382, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
169
|
Dong WL, Li YY, Zhang YM, Peng QW, Lu GL, Chen CR. Influence of childhood trauma on adolescent internet addiction: The mediating roles of loneliness and negative coping styles. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:1133-1144. [PMID: 38186732 PMCID: PMC10768484 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i12.1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the information age, the use of the internet and multimedia tools has large effects on the life of middle school students. Improper use of the internet may result in internet addiction (IA). Thus, actively exploring the factors influencing adolescent and the mechanism of addiction as well as promoting adolescent physical and mental health and academic development are priorities that families, schools, and society urgently need to address. AIM To explore the effect of childhood trauma on adolescent IA and to consider the roles of loneliness and negative coping styles. METHODS A total of 11310 students from six junior high schools in Henan, China, completed the child trauma questionnaire, IA test, loneliness scale, and simple coping style questionnaire. In addition, data were collected from 1044 adolescents with childhood trauma for analysis with IBM SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 28.0; we examined the relationships among childhood trauma, IA, loneliness, and negative coping styles. RESULTS We found that childhood trauma not only directly affected adolescents' IA but also affected IA through loneliness and negative coping styles. CONCLUSION Therefore, this study has theoretical implications regarding adolescent mental health and may inform interventions for IA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang-Lin Dong
- College of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- College of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Yi-Ming Zhang
- College of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Qian-Wen Peng
- College of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Guang-Li Lu
- School of Business, Institute of Business Administration, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Chao-Ran Chen
- College of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
170
|
Gallegos ML, Segrin C. Exploring the Role of Marianismo and Loneliness in Latinas' Physical and Mental Well-Being. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-12. [PMID: 38115176 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2291267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study is to better understand the role of social relationships and traditional gender norms in Latina health. Utilizing Hawkley and Cacioppo's theoretical model of loneliness and health as a framework, loneliness is proposed as a key component in the relationship between the Latina gender norm of marianismo and health. Participants were 178 female adults who identified as Latina (N = 97) or non-Latina White (N = 81), ranging in age from 19-88, who completed measures of loneliness, marianismo, depression, overall health, and health practices. Results indicate that being Latina was associated with family pillar marianismo, which includes characteristics centered on women's roles as the core of the family, that was associated with lower loneliness, and lower loneliness was subsequently associated with better overall health, lower depression, and beneficial health practices. However, being Latina had no association with silencing self to maintain harmony marianismo, that in turn had no association with loneliness, or health outcomes. These results suggest that elements of marianismo can play a protective role in Latina health and well-being, particularly when Latinas endorse the positive aspects of the gender norm that place women at the center of their families. Results also help explain the Latino health paradox by providing more specificity in the links between Latina ethnicity and positive health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Gallegos
- Department of Communication Studies, California State University, Northridge
| | - Chris Segrin
- Department of Communication, University of Arizona
| |
Collapse
|
171
|
Yang M, Wei W, Ren L, Pu Z, Zhang Y, Li Y, Li X, Wu S. How loneliness linked to anxiety and depression: a network analysis based on Chinese university students. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2499. [PMID: 38093295 PMCID: PMC10720215 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is conclusive evidence of a multifaceted and bidirectional relationship between loneliness and depression and anxiety. Nonetheless, more extensive research is needed to examine their relationships at a more granular level. This study employed a network analysis approach to identify the pathological mechanisms underpinning those relationships and to identify important bridge nodes as potential targets for intervention. METHODS 941 University students were included in this study. The ULS-6 (the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale) was used to assess loneliness, the PHQ-9 (Patient Health questionnaire-9) and GAD-7 (Generalized anxiety disorder 7-item) scales were used to assess the symptoms of depression and anxiety. We constructed two network structures of loneliness-anxiety and loneliness-depression and computed bridge expected influence for each symptom. In addition, we showed a flow network of "Suicide" containing symptoms of depression and loneliness. RESULTS All edges were positive in both networks constructed and the strongest edges were present within disorder communities. The overall connection between loneliness and depression was stronger compared to anxiety. The results demonstrated that the loneliness item "People are around me but not with me" was identified as bridge symptom in both networks. Furthermore, "Suicide" was directly connected to five symptoms of depression and four items of loneliness, with the strongest connections being between it and "Feeling of worthlessness" and "Psychomotor agitation/retardation". CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide a more nuanced explanation of the link between loneliness and depression and anxiety. The results identified the bridge symptom "People are around me but not with me", which had the strongest effect on enhancing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Clinical improvements based on the findings of this study and the impact of the intervention are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Yang
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, 169 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, 169 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Military Psychology Section, Logistics University of PAP, Tianjin, 300309, China
- Military Mental Health Services & Research Center, Tianjin, 300309, China
| | - Zhaojun Pu
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, 169 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanbei Zhang
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, 169 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Li
- Academic Affairs Office, Air Force Medical University, 169 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinhong Li
- Department of General Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Xi'an, 712046, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Shengjun Wu
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, 169 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
172
|
Deslauriers V, Bignami S, Delaunay V, Sandberg J. Does social integration really protect against loneliness? Gender determinants in a rural population in Senegal. SANTE PUBLIQUE (VANDOEUVRE-LES-NANCY, FRANCE) 2023; 35:423-434. [PMID: 38078637 DOI: 10.3917/spub.234.0423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Introduction This study aims to test a measure of loneliness and to document its determinants among rural men and women in Senegal. Methods Data from the Niakhar Social Networks and Health Project were used. The analysis sample was composed of 1261 residents aged 16 years and older. Analyses were stratified by gender. Associations between loneliness and its determinants (socio-demographic characteristics and level of social integration) were examined with multivariate logistic regressions. Results Loneliness affects almost one in three people. Its prevalence is more significant for women. Multivariate analyses indicate that for both men and women, older age intensifies loneliness and recent migration experience protects against loneliness. Other factors act differently according to gender. Widowhood or divorce for men, and residential isolation for women, worsen the experience of loneliness. Social integration protects men against loneliness, but this relationship is not found for women. Finally, the effect of the level of social integration on loneliness varies with age. Conclusions This study, which documents a phenomenon which is often neglected by misconceptions about social solidarities in these societies, suggests that loneliness is not linked to the same issues for men and women. For men, being socially integrated and being in a union are protective, whereas for women, poor social integration does not appear to be a clear source of loneliness, unlike residential isolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valérie Delaunay
- Institut de recherche pour le développement, Laboratoire Population Environnement Développement – Marseille – France
| | - John Sandberg
- George Washington University, School of public health – Washington – USA
| |
Collapse
|
173
|
Jensen-Campbell LA, Liegey Dougall A, Heller AC, Iyer-Eimerbrink P, Bland MK, Hull K. Do Social Support and Loneliness Influence Emerging Adults' Mental Health during the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic? Brain Sci 2023; 13:1691. [PMID: 38137139 PMCID: PMC10741457 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Youths' mental health is at a crisis level, with mental health problems doubling in the US since the pandemic began. To compound the mental health crisis, there is a global loneliness epidemic, with emerging adults worldwide experiencing some of the highest rates. One study with two phases examined the influence of social support and loneliness on mental health in US emerging adults during the pandemic, including changes in these relationships over one year. Emerging adults (N = 449) completed online questionnaires via Prolific in May 2020 (Phase 1) and again from January to May 2021 (N = 253; Phase 2). More perceived support was related to reduced loneliness, with family support having the most significant influence. Loneliness mediated the link between perceived support and adverse health outcomes. Higher loneliness predicted more perceived stress and sleep difficulties concurrently and over time. There was a bidirectional relationship between loneliness and depression, such that higher levels of either variable at Time 1 predicted increases in the other over time. Results highlight the detrimental impact of loneliness on emerging adults' mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauri A. Jensen-Campbell
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.L.D.); (M.K.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Angela Liegey Dougall
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.L.D.); (M.K.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Abigail C. Heller
- Department of Psychology, Belmont University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA;
| | - Priya Iyer-Eimerbrink
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75241, USA;
| | - Michelle K. Bland
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.L.D.); (M.K.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Kristen Hull
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.L.D.); (M.K.B.); (K.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
174
|
Lynch M, Em Arpawong T, Beam CR. Associations Between Longitudinal Loneliness, DNA Methylation Age Acceleration, and Cognitive Functioning. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:2045-2059. [PMID: 37718577 PMCID: PMC10699733 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Loneliness may influence aging biomarkers related to cognitive functioning, for example, through accelerated DNA methylation (DNAm) aging. METHODS In the present study, we tested whether six common DNAm age acceleration measures mediated the effects of baseline loneliness and five different longitudinal loneliness trajectories on general cognitive ability, immediate memory recall, delayed memory recall, and processing speed in 1,814 older adults in the Health and Retirement Study. RESULTS We found that baseline loneliness and individuals who belong to the highest loneliness trajectories had poorer general cognitive ability and memory scores. Only DNAm age acceleration measures that index physiological comorbidities, unhealthy lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking), and mortality risk-mediated effects of baseline loneliness on general cognitive ability and memory functioning but not processing speed. These same DNAm measures mediated effects of the moderate-but-declining loneliness trajectory on cognitive functioning. Additionally, immediate and delayed memory scores were mediated by GrimAge Accel in the lowest and two highest loneliness trajectory groups. Total and mediated effects of loneliness on cognitive functioning outcomes were mainly accounted for by demographic, social, psychological, and physiological covariates, most notably self-rated health, depressive symptomatology, objective social isolation, and body mass index. DISCUSSION Current findings suggest that DNAm biomarkers of aging, particularly GrimAge Accel, have promise for explaining the prospective association between loneliness and cognitive functioning outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Lynch
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Thalida Em Arpawong
- Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christopher R Beam
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
175
|
Mejova Y, Hommadova Lu A. Gender in the disclosure of loneliness on Twitter during COVID-19 lockdowns. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1297983. [PMID: 38125758 PMCID: PMC10731375 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1297983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loneliness has been shown to affect both mental and physical health, and was a major concern even before the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 distancing measures, millions of people took to social media to express their feelings and seek social support. Methods In this mixed-methods study, we examine the self-disclosure of loneliness by users identifying as male or female (via self-disclosed naming conventions) on Twitter before and during the COVID-19 "lockdowns." Results We show that in the first two months of COVID-19 restrictions, self-disclosure of loneliness on this platform rose dramatically, and also have changed qualitatively. We find that female accounts tend to post more loneliness self-disclosures compared to male ones, even before COVID. Female disclosures more often center around pregnancy, family, and close relationships, whereas those posted by the male ones are more related to leadership, video gaming and sex. During COVID lockdowns, female accounts turn to online messaging apps and hobbies, and male become increasingly vocal in seeking partners. Discussion The insights of this study have important implications for the design of interventions for lessening the burden of loneliness in the current digitized world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anya Hommadova Lu
- Communication Studies, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
176
|
Weinstein N, Vuorre M, Adams M, Nguyen TV. Balance between solitude and socializing: everyday solitude time both benefits and harms well-being. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21160. [PMID: 38052821 PMCID: PMC10698034 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44507-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Two literatures argue that time alone is harmful (i.e., isolation) and valuable (i.e., positive solitude). We explored whether people benefit from a balance between their daily solitude and social time, such that having 'right' quantities of both maximizes well-being. Participants (n = 178) completed a 21-day diary study, which quantified solitude time in hours through reconstructing daily events. This procedure minimized retrospective bias and tested natural variations across time. There was no evidence for a one-size-fits-all 'optimal balance' between solitude and social time. Linear effects suggested that people were lonelier and less satisfied on days in which they spent more hours in solitude. These detrimental relations were nullified or reduced when daily solitude was autonomous (choiceful) and did not accumulate across days; those who were generally alone more were not, on the whole, lonelier. On days in which people spent more time alone they felt less stress and greater autonomy satisfaction (volitional, authentic, and free from pressure). These benefits were cumulative; those who spent more time alone across the span of the study were less stressed and more autonomy satisfied overall. Solitude time risks lowering well-being on some metrics but may hold key advantages to other aspects of well-being. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on June 1, 2022. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5KXQ3 .
Collapse
|
177
|
Cao H, Zhang X, Zhang X, Yan W. The effects of emotion and COVID-19 context priming on the size and color of drawings: based on human figure drawings and tree drawings. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1278577. [PMID: 38111865 PMCID: PMC10726032 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1278577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate the effects of emotional themes and the COVID-19 pandemic context priming on the size and color of drawings. Methods A 3 (emotion: peacefulness, gratitude, loneliness) × 2 (context: pandemic, regular) mixed design was used and 113 university students in Shanghai were recruited to draw human figures and trees using 10 marker colors. Results The size of the drawings depicting loneliness was smaller than that of the those depicting peacefulness and gratitude. Drawings depicting loneliness used more cool and non-preferred colors; drawings depicting gratitude used more warm and preferred colors. Drawings in the pandemic context were larger, which may reflect the more significant threat perceived by individuals. Drawings in the pandemic context used more red colors, showing symbolic meanings such as danger. Discussion The drawing size and drawing color are influenced by emotional themes and the pandemic context priming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huijing Cao
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhang
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinlei Zhang
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhua Yan
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
178
|
Trtica LM, Volarić M, Kurevija T, Mihaljević S, Dupan ZK, Wittlinger T. Psycho-social and health predictors of loneliness in older primary care patients and mediating mechanisms linking comorbidities and loneliness. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:801. [PMID: 38049734 PMCID: PMC10696735 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04436-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging is associated with many personal, social, and environmental challenges that increase the risk of loneliness. Loneliness is a painful emotional experience associated with a perceived lack of connection and intimacy. Loneliness accelerates health deterioration, but the presence of chronic health conditions (comorbidities) in older individuals may potentiate the feeling of loneliness. The relationships between health status and loneliness in older individuals have not been assessed in an integrated manner, although it is necessary for planning efficient interventions. The aim of this study was to fill in this knowledge gap, by attempting to create an integrated model of loneliness in older individuals. METHODS The sample consisted of 189 (58% F) older individuals (> 60 years) (mean ± SD, 78.47 ± 6.65), attendees in Primary Health Care. Different factors associated with loneliness in the older population were assessed, and classified as demographic, environmental, physical (health-related), and psychological, in addition to functional abilities. A set of standard questionnaires was used to assess psychological factors and functional abilities. The hierarchical regression model assessed the effect of particular blocks of factors on status loneliness. The second aim was to analyze how psychological factors mediate associations between health status (comorbidity level) and loneliness. RESULTS Indicated that increasing comorbidity, anxiety, lack of positive moods, not having hobbies/activities, low perception of social support, impaired cognitive function, and suppression of emotion expression, are significant predictors of loneliness. Mediation analysis informed us of how to help patients with comorbidities feel less lonely. Interventions that were suggested were those that can reduce anxiety and depression, improve cognitive abilities and emotional regulation control, and enhance social support. CONCLUSIONS Results can help understand the pathophysiology loops linking poor health status (comorbidity level) of older individuals and loneliness, and have significant potentials from the translational perspectives, as a decision-support tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Majnarić Trtica
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Mile Volarić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, University Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Tomislav Kurevija
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Silvio Mihaljević
- Department of Internal Medicine and the History of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Zdravka Krivdić Dupan
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Thomas Wittlinger
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Hospital, 38642, Goslar, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
179
|
Bradley N, Dowrick C, Lloyd-Williams M. Explaining how and why social support groups in hospice day services benefit palliative care patients, for whom, and in what circumstances. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524231214549. [PMID: 38044931 PMCID: PMC10693225 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231214549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative care aims to provide holistic support for people with life-limiting illness, responding to psychological, social and spiritual needs, as well as to clinical and physical. In the United Kingdom, hospice day services (including day care, group interventions, group activities, and social events for palliative care outpatients) aim to provide opportunities for patients to gain social support, which is thought to improve their quality of life. Objectives This research explored social support within hospice day services, to explain in detail how and why social support obtained within a hospice day service could be beneficial to palliative care patients. Design Qualitative research using observations of hospice day services and interviews with service providers. Methods Data collection involved nineteen interviews with hospice service providers (n = 19) and researcher observations of hospice day services. The findings detail how patient and hospice context interact to produce mechanisms that lead to outcomes beyond the hospice day service. Results Practical, clinical and social aspects of the hospice day service are important for patients feeling welcome and safe in the setting. The opportunity to connect with other people and work towards personal goals can boost self-confidence for patients who have lost access to meaningful activity. New friendships between patients encourages reciprocal support and feelings of belonging. It is beneficial to have permission to speak freely about topics deemed inappropriate elsewhere, because honest communication is helpful in accepting and adapting to their circumstances. Conclusion Hospice day services facilitate group settings for reciprocal social support. This research proposes an initial programme theory that can be further developed and tested. It explains how and why, in some contexts, social support increases personal and practical resources to cope with illness and death, leading to changes outside of the hospice (to mood, interpersonal interactions and behaviour) that could improve quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Bradley
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK
- Centre for Health & Clinical Research, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol BS16 1DD, UK
| | - Christopher Dowrick
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mari Lloyd-Williams
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
180
|
Carr S. A gradual separation from the world: commentary on a qualitative exploration of existential loneliness in old age. Br J Community Nurs 2023; 28:586-590. [PMID: 38032719 DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2023.28.12.586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND METHODS Loneliness is a prevalent and significant issue. It has been identified as a particularly important physical and mental health risk for older people. This article critically explores and discusses a recent study that sought to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of existential loneliness in a large sample of older people living in retirement community contexts. FINDINGS The data pointed to complex, multilayered challenges, often brought about by ageing, that give rise to unique experiences of existential loneliness for many older people. CONCLUSIONS For clinical practitioners, understanding how older people experience existential loneliness is essential if we are to develop support mechanisms that compassionately and empathically respond to them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Carr
- Department of Education and Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, UK
| |
Collapse
|
181
|
Toyoshima M, Yamada K. Enhanced social motivation in briefly isolated male rats. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 15:203-208. [PMID: 37767188 PMCID: PMC10520927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.08.2195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness and anxiety are associated with psychiatric disorders in humans. Although brief social isolation in adult rats and mice has been proposed as a rodent model of loneliness, its socioemotional characteristics are not well known. In this study, we evaluated the social and emotional behaviors of adult male rats subjected to brief social isolation. Isolated rats frequently showed sniffing behavior toward empty cylinders where conspecifics had previously existed, as well as conspecifics themselves. Furthermore, social motivation correlated with anxiety levels, as indicated by the elevated plus-maze test performance in isolated but not in non-isolated rats. These results suggest that high social motivation is associated with anxiety in briefly isolated rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michimasa Toyoshima
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
- JSPS Research Fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamada
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
182
|
Testa A, Tsai J. Loneliness and firearm acquisition among low-income U.S. veterans: Findings from the National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences (NV-HOPE) study. Soc Sci Med 2023; 338:116356. [PMID: 37939539 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE There are theoretical reasons to expect loneliness related to firearm purchasing. For instance, loneliness might amplify social isolation and feelings of insecurity, anxiety, perceived danger, and need for self-reliance. Purchasing a firearm might be seen as a way to bolster one's security and gain a sense of control when faced with potential threats, yet there is a lack of research assessing this possibility. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the relationship between loneliness and purchasing a firearm among a sample of low-income U.S. military veterans. METHODS Data are from a national survey of 1,004 low-income U.S. veterans collected in December 2022 and January 2023. Firth logistic regression-a rare event logistic regression model to address small-sample bias stemming from rare outcomes through a penalized likelihood approach-was used to estimate the adjusted association between loneliness and purchasing a firearm in the past year. RESULTS Approximately 5.4% reported the purchase of a new firearm in the past year, and respondents reported an average loneliness score of 1.82 (standard deviation = 1.96; range = 0-6). Results of Firth Logit regression analyses found that net of control variables for demographic, socioeconomic, and household characteristics, loneliness was positively associated with purchasing a firearm in the past year (OR = 1.167, 95% CI = 1.006, 1.352). CONCLUSION The findings indicate that loneliness among U.S. military veterans is associated with firearm purchasing. Considering the risks posed by both loneliness and firearm ownership for veteran suicide, the findings suggest the need for greater focus and synergistic strategies to address loneliness and safe firearm practices among U.S. veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Testa
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, United States.
| | - Jack Tsai
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, United States; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, United States
| |
Collapse
|
183
|
Zhang X, Brown AM, Rhubart DC. Can Resilience Buffer the Effects of Loneliness on Mental Distress Among Working-Age Adults in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Latent Moderated Structural Modeling Analysis. Int J Behav Med 2023; 30:790-800. [PMID: 36631701 PMCID: PMC9838440 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-022-10151-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The profound health consequences of loneliness are well-established. However, less is known about the protective factors which may alleviate the effects of loneliness on mental health especially among working-age adults amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We draw on the social ecology of resilience and examine whether resilience factors can buffer the effects of loneliness on mental distress. METHODS Data came from the National Well-being Survey-a national study of a demographically representative sample of U.S. working-age adults (N = 4014). We used (a) structural equation models with latent variables to examine the main effects of loneliness, psychological resilience, and perceived social support on mental distress, and (b) latent moderated structural equations to estimate the latent interaction effects. RESULTS Results revealed that (a) loneliness was positively associated with mental distress and psychological resilience was negatively related to mental distress, and (b) psychological resilience and perceived social support moderated the strength of the relationship between loneliness and mental distress. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the importance of psychological resilience and perceived social support as two protective factors in the relationship between loneliness and mental distress. Given that loneliness significantly predicts worse mental and physical health and higher mortality, identifying protective factors that might disrupt these connections is vital. As such, public health efforts to strengthen and expand familial and community social support networks and foster psychological resilience are urgently needed to support mental health among working-age adults during additional waves of the pandemic or future similar stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, USA.
| | - Austin McNeill Brown
- Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, USA
| | - Danielle C Rhubart
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, USA
| |
Collapse
|
184
|
Chebly KO, Shen M, Schoenthaler AM. Frequency and nature of discussing social influences on health in urban safety-net clinics: A qualitative analysis. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 117:107974. [PMID: 37729818 PMCID: PMC10872873 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic social isolation is a risk factor for all-cause mortality and disease progression, but is not routinely screened for in clinical settings. This study analyzed provider-patient communication patterns about social influences during primary care encounters, to identify opportunities to screen for objective or perceived social isolation. METHODS Content analysis was conducted on transcripts of 97 audiotaped, English-speaking patient encounters with 27 primary care providers at 3 safety-net primary care centers in New York City. Conversations were first coded for specific social isolation screening, then more broadly to quantify and qualify how social influences were discussed in relation to health. RESULTS Transcripts included no explicit examples of social isolation screening. Social influences on health were discussed meaningfully in only 28 % of transcripts, compared to medication adherence (93 %) and diet (64 %). Patients initiated conversations about social influences on health twice as often as providers, however providers did not acknowledge 67% of these prompts. CONCLUSION Social influences on health, including social isolation, were uncommonly discussed in this sample of primary care visits. When social influences were discussed meaningfully, providers utilized relationship-centered communication strategies. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Strategic conversations about social influences, even when brief and informal, can effectively screen patients for social isolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Otto Chebly
- NYU Langone Medical Center, Department of Medicine, 550 First Avenue - NBV 16N30, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Michael Shen
- NYC Health & Hospitals/Woodhull, Department of Medicine, 760 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA
| | - Antoinette M Schoenthaler
- NYU Langone Medical Center, Department of Medicine, 550 First Avenue - NBV 16N30, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
185
|
Tran NK, Le TP, Krause KD, Martino RJ, Halkitis PN. An Exploration of Racial Differences of Psychosocial Stressors and Their Association With Mental Health Between Asian and White Sexual Minority Men: The P18 Cohort Study. ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 14:364-372. [PMID: 38264160 PMCID: PMC10803058 DOI: 10.1037/aap0000309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
There is growing concern that Asian sexual minority men (SMM), including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, may be at elevated risk of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, yet limited attention has focused on how psychosocial stressors may affect them. This study seeks to (a) explore differences in psychosocial stressors, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation between Asian and White SMM and (b) evaluate the potential moderation of associations between psychosocial stressors and mental health by race. Data were obtained from the P18 Cohort Study. We restricted the sample to only those who identified as non-Hispanic Asian or White and used regression analysis to assess the associations of psychosocial stressors and mental health outcomes in the overall sample by race. Of the 217 participants in our analytic sample, 23% self-identified as Asian. Compared with White SMM, Asian SMM had a higher prevalence of loneliness, internalized homophobia, and public gay-related stigma. In regression analyses, most psychosocial stressors were significantly associated with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in the overall sample. Associations between each stressor and mental health outcome primarily did not differ between Asian and White SMM. However, White SMM experiencing higher levels of public gay-related stigma had greater odds of suicidal ideation, although this was not observed for Asian SMM. Overall, Asian SMM may be experiencing similar effects of psychosocial stressors on mental health to White SMM. Health professionals may want to consider how these stressors impact the mental health and well-being of their Asian SMM clients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen K. Tran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, 3215 Market St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Thomas P. Le
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, 3128 Biology Psychology Building, College Park, MD, 20770, USA
| | - Kristen D. Krause
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Urban-Global Health, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Richard J. Martino
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Perry N. Halkitis
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
186
|
Lara E, Matovic S, Vasiliadis HM, Grenier S, Berbiche D, de la Torre-Luque A, Gouin JP. Correlates and trajectories of loneliness among community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Canadian longitudinal study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 115:105133. [PMID: 37499331 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine the contributions of social interaction and other non-social factors to loneliness among older adults in the context of confinement measures constraining opportunities for in-person social interactions. This study aims to identify groups of individuals with heterogeneous trajectories of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore the sociodemographic, health, psychological and social interaction-related factors associated with these trajectories. In this 12-month longitudinal study, 614 community-dwelling individuals aged 60+ years completed telephone-based interviews on four occasions between May 2020 and May 2021. Loneliness was evaluated using the three-item version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Multilevel modelling assessed average changes in loneliness over time. Group-based trajectory modelling was performed to identify distinct trajectories of loneliness over time. Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to explore the predictors of these trajectories. On average, there was a curvilinear change in loneliness that tracked the stringency of the COVID-19-related confinement measures. In this convenience sample, three heterogeneous trajectories were identified: a stable-low (17.2%), a fluctuating-moderate (48.8%) and a sustained-elevated (34.0%) trajectory. Participants in the sustained-elevated loneliness trajectory were more likely to live alone and experience elevated psychological distress and greater COVID-19 perceived health threat compared to those in the stable-low trajectory. Participants in the fluctuating-moderate loneliness group were more likely to have multimorbidity, experience greater psychological distress, and have less frequent in-person interactions than the stable-low loneliness group. Assessing the combination of sociodemographic, health, psychological and social factors may help identify individuals at higher risk for chronic loneliness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Lara
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental. CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Matovic
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Helen-Maria Vasiliadis
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Charles-Le Moyne Research Center, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Grenier
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Djamal Berbiche
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Charles-Le Moyne Research Center, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Alejandro de la Torre-Luque
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental. CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jean-Philippe Gouin
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
187
|
James D, Henshaw E, Lourie A, Kennedy S, Glatley B. Attitudes toward COVID-19 restrictions and COVID-19-related stress and fear among college students across three waves. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1645. [PMID: 38130327 PMCID: PMC10733560 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of college students, leading to increased psychological distress. This study explored potenital predictors to better understand the factors that influence and mitigate student COVID-19 stress in the evolving landscape of residential colleges. Specifically, we investigated the roles of COVID-19 fear, loneliness, and attitudes toward COVID-19 restrictions. Methods Employing a longitudinal online survey design, we collected data over the fall 2020 semester from 122 first-year college students enrolled in a small mid-west liberal arts college. Participants completed the same survey three times: Wave 1 in August, Wave 2 in October, and Wave 3 in November. Results Fear of COVID-19 (Time 1) was a significant predictor of increased COVID-19 related stress at both Time 2 and Time 3. Interestingly, loneliness (Time 1) moderated the effect of fear of COVID-19 (Time 1) on attitudes toward COVID-19 restrictions at Time 2. Moreover, students' negative attitudes toward COVID-19 restrictions and feelings of loneliness increased over the course of the semester. Conclusions These findings suggest that college students' wellbeing in the context of COVID-19 stress is influenced by a complex interplay of perceptions of COVID-19 (stress, fear, attitudes) and feelings of social isolation (loneliness). Further research in this area is crucial to provide targeted support and interventions to promote students' mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Drexler James
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Minnesota, Twin CitiesMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Erin Henshaw
- Department of PsychologyDenison UniversityGranvilleOhioUSA
| | - Andrea Lourie
- Department of PsychologyDenison UniversityGranvilleOhioUSA
| | - Susan Kennedy
- Department of PsychologyDenison UniversityGranvilleOhioUSA
| | - Blake Glatley
- Combined Program in Education and PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| |
Collapse
|
188
|
Liu J, Gou RY, Jones RN, Schmitt EM, Metzger E, Tabloski PA, Arias F, Hshieh TT, Travison TG, Marcantonio ER, Fong T, Inouye SK. Association of Loneliness With Change in Physical and Emotional Health of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Shutdown. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 31:1102-1113. [PMID: 37940227 PMCID: PMC10797604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine factors influencing loneliness and the effect of loneliness on physical and emotional health, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Prospective, observational cohort. SETTING Community-dwelling participants. PARTICIPANTS Older adults (n = 238) enrolled in a longitudinal study. MEASUREMENTS Interviews were completed July-December 2020. Loneliness was measured with the UCLA 3-item loneliness scale. Data including age, marriage, education, cognitive functioning, functional impairment, vision or hearing impairment, depression, anxiety, medical comorbidity, social network size, technology use, and activity engagement were collected. Health outcomes included self-rated health, and physical and mental composites from the 12-item Short Form Survey. Physical function was measured by a PROMIS-scaled composite score. RESULTS Thirty-nine (16.4%) participants reported loneliness. Vulnerability factors for loneliness included age (RR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.14); impairment with instrumental activities of daily living (RR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.14-3.80); vision impairment (RR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.10-3.97); depression (RR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.25-1.43); and anxiety (RR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.55-2.39). Significant resilience factors included high cognitive functioning (RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94); large social network size (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.96); technology use (RR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.73-0.90); and social and physical activity engagement (RR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.98). Interaction analyses showed that larger social network size moderated the effect of loneliness on physical function (protective interaction effect, RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.15-1.13, p <.01), and activity engagement moderated the effect of loneliness on mental health (protective interaction effect, RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.25-1.05, p <.001). CONCLUSIONS Resilience factors may mitigate the adverse health outcomes associated with loneliness. Interventions to enhance resilience may help to diminish the detrimental effects of loneliness and hold great importance for vulnerable older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Liu
- Aging Brain Center (JL, RYG, EMS, FA, TTH, TGT, TF, SKI), Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA
| | - Ray Yun Gou
- Aging Brain Center (JL, RYG, EMS, FA, TTH, TGT, TF, SKI), Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA
| | - Richard N Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (RNJ), Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Eva M Schmitt
- Aging Brain Center (JL, RYG, EMS, FA, TTH, TGT, TF, SKI), Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA
| | - Eran Metzger
- Department of Psychiatry (EM), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | | | - Franchesca Arias
- Aging Brain Center (JL, RYG, EMS, FA, TTH, TGT, TF, SKI), Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School (FA, TTH, TGT, ERM, TF, SKI), Boston, MA; Department of Medicine (FA, TTH), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Tammy T Hshieh
- Aging Brain Center (JL, RYG, EMS, FA, TTH, TGT, TF, SKI), Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School (FA, TTH, TGT, ERM, TF, SKI), Boston, MA; Department of Medicine (FA, TTH), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas G Travison
- Aging Brain Center (JL, RYG, EMS, FA, TTH, TGT, TF, SKI), Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School (FA, TTH, TGT, ERM, TF, SKI), Boston, MA
| | - Edward R Marcantonio
- Harvard Medical School (FA, TTH, TGT, ERM, TF, SKI), Boston, MA; Divisions of General Medicine and Gerontology (ERM), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Tamara Fong
- Aging Brain Center (JL, RYG, EMS, FA, TTH, TGT, TF, SKI), Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School (FA, TTH, TGT, ERM, TF, SKI), Boston, MA; Department of Neurology (TF), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.
| | - Sharon K Inouye
- Aging Brain Center (JL, RYG, EMS, FA, TTH, TGT, TF, SKI), Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School (FA, TTH, TGT, ERM, TF, SKI), Boston, MA; Department of Medicine (SKI), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
189
|
Fang F, Hughes TF, Weinstein A, Dodge HH, Jacobsen EP, Chang CCH, Snitz BE, Ganguli M. Social Isolation and Loneliness in a Population Study of Cognitive Impairment: The MYHAT Study. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:2313-2324. [PMID: 37518906 PMCID: PMC10825064 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231192053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined associations of social isolation and loneliness with cognitive impairment among older adults from a Rust Belt region in Southwest Pennsylvania. We used data from the population-based Monongahela-Youghiogheny Healthy Aging Team (MYHAT) study. We found that (a) 11 items combined into two reliable composites of social isolation and loneliness; (b) unique to this study, providing unpaid help to others was an indicator of reduced social isolation; (c) social isolation and loneliness were positively associated with cognitive impairment; and (d) these associations were appreciably attenuated by general health and physical functional status and depressive symptoms, respectively. We concluded that social isolation and loneliness are differentially associated with older adults' cognitive health, and that their effects might operate through separate pathways. Approaches to address social isolation and loneliness should consider the community context and its implications for older adults' cognitive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Research and Infrastructure Research Service (RISE) and Department of Internal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Tiffany F. Hughes
- Department of Graduate Studies in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH, USA
| | - Andrea Weinstein
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hiroko H. Dodge
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin P. Jacobsen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chung-Chou H. Chang
- Department of Medicine, and Department of Biostatistics, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Beth E. Snitz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary Ganguli
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Epidemiology, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
190
|
McKenna-Plumley PE, Turner RN, Yang K, Groarke JM. Experiences of Loneliness Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2223868. [PMID: 37327403 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2223868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Loneliness is a fundamentally subjective experience that is common at various life stages. Studies have qualitatively explored loneliness, but a comprehensive overview is lacking. This research therefore provides a fine-grained review of studies on loneliness experiences across the lifespan. METHODS A systematic review and thematic synthesis were performed on studies that qualitatively investigated experiences of loneliness in people of any age from non-clinical populations. Sensitivity analysis assessed the impact of lower-quality studies and specific age groups on the findings. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies of 1,321 participants aged between 7 and 103 were included. Fifteen descriptive themes and three overarching analytical themes were developed: (1) Loneliness is both psychological and contextual, (2) Loneliness centres on feelings of meaningful connection and painful disconnection, and (3) Loneliness can exist in a general, pervasive sense or can relate to specific other people or relationship types. Some features were particularly pertinent to children, younger adults, and older adults, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness involves a primarily aversive psychological experience of perceived disconnection which is linked to physical, personal, and socio-political contexts and can be pervasive or relate to specific relationships or relationship types. An awareness of context, life stage, and personal experiences is essential to understand loneliness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe E McKenna-Plumley
- Centre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Rhiannon N Turner
- Centre for Identity and Intergroup Relations, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Keming Yang
- Department of Sociology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Jenny M Groarke
- Centre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
191
|
Bailie J, Bishop GM, Badland H, Emerson E, Aitken Z, Stancliffe R, Ekanayake K, Llewellyn G. Health and wellbeing outcomes associated with loneliness for people with disability: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2361. [PMID: 38031029 PMCID: PMC10685646 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17101-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is a significant public health concern due to its detrimental impact on health and wellbeing. Despite people with disability reporting higher levels of loneliness than the general population, there has been little research into how this is affecting their health and wellbeing. In light of this, the aim of our study was to scope both the existing evidence about the health and wellbeing outcomes associated with loneliness for people with disability, as well as the conceptual frameworks and measures utilised in this field of research. METHODS To conduct this scoping review, we followed the methodology outlined by JBI and searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Informit, Embase, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed, English-language articles published between 1 January 2000 and 8 February 2023. Two independent reviewers completed screening, full-text review and data extraction, with consensus sought at each stage. Data were analysed using content analysis and presented both numerically and narratively. RESULTS Out of the initial 1602 publications identified in the scoping review, only nine were included after duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and full-text review. This limited number of studies, with the earliest study one published in 2015, represents a key finding. Eight of the nine studies were quantitative, and all were conducted in high income countries. Most of these studies utilised a version of the University of Los Angles Loneliness Scale to measure loneliness and addressed specific impairment groups. Notably, most of the studies identified associations between loneliness and health and wellbeing outcomes for people with disability. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review highlights the current scarcity of studies examining the effect that loneliness has on the health and wellbeing outcomes of people with disability. As most of the reviewed studies relied on loneliness measures designed for individuals without disability, they potentially overlook the unique life experiences of people with disability. Given that loneliness is an international public health concern, it is imperative that people with disability are not left behind or overlooked in efforts to address the impact of loneliness on health and wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Bailie
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- University Centre for Rural Health, The University of Sydney, 61 Uralba Street, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia.
| | - Glenda M Bishop
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Hannah Badland
- Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Eric Emerson
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Centre for Disability Research, Faculty of Health & Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Zoe Aitken
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Roger Stancliffe
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | | | - Gwynnyth Llewellyn
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
192
|
Bowirrat A, Elman I, Dennen CA, Gondré-Lewis MC, Cadet JL, Khalsa J, Baron D, Soni D, Gold MS, McLaughlin TJ, Bagchi D, Braverman ER, Ceccanti M, Thanos PK, Modestino EJ, Sunder K, Jafari N, Zeine F, Badgaiyan RD, Barh D, Makale M, Murphy KT, Blum K. Neurogenetics and Epigenetics of Loneliness. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:4839-4857. [PMID: 38050640 PMCID: PMC10693768 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s423802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness, an established risk factor for both, mental and physical morbidity, is a mounting public health concern. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying loneliness-related morbidity are not yet well defined. Here we examined the role of genes and associated DNA risk polymorphic variants that are implicated in loneliness via genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and may thus point to specific therapeutic targets. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE databases using specific Medical Subject Headings terms such as loneliness and genes, neuro- and epigenetics, addiction, affective disorders, alcohol, anti-reward, anxiety, depression, dopamine, cancer, cardiovascular, cognitive, hypodopaminergia, medical, motivation, (neuro)psychopathology, social isolation, and reward deficiency. The narrative literature review yielded recursive collections of scientific and clinical evidence, which were subsequently condensed and summarized in the following key areas: (1) Genetic Antecedents: Exploration of multiple genes mediating reward, stress, immunity and other important vital functions; (2) Genes and Mental Health: Examination of genes linked to personality traits and mental illnesses providing insights into the intricate network of interaction converging on the experience of loneliness; (3) Epigenetic Effects: Inquiry into instances of loneliness and social isolation that are driven by epigenetic methylations associated with negative childhood experiences; and (4) Neural Correlates: Analysis of loneliness-related affective states and cognitions with a focus on hypodopaminergic reward deficiency arising in the context of early life stress, eg, maternal separation, underscoring the importance of parental support early in life. Identification of the individual contributions by various (epi)genetic factors presents opportunities for the creation of innovative preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for individuals who cope with persistent feelings of loneliness. The clinical facets and therapeutic prospects associated with the current understanding of loneliness, are discussed emphasizing the relevance of genes and DNA risk polymorphic variants in the context of loneliness-related morbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, 40700, Israel
| | - Igor Elman
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Catherine A Dennen
- Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marjorie C Gondré-Lewis
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jag Khalsa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David Baron
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise, and Mental Health, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Diwanshu Soni
- Western University Health Sciences School of Medicine, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Thomas J McLaughlin
- Division of Reward Deficiency Clinics, TranspliceGen Therapeutics, Inc, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Debasis Bagchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eric R Braverman
- Division of Clinical Neurology, The Kenneth Blum Institute of Neurogenetics & Behavior, LLC, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Alcohol Addiction Program, Latium Region Referral Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, 00185, Italy
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | | | - Keerthy Sunder
- Karma Doctors & Karma TMS, and Suder Foundation, Palm Springs, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Jafari
- Department of Human Development, California State University at Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
- Division of Personalized Medicine, Cross-Cultural Research and Educational Institute, San Clemente, CA, USA
| | - Foojan Zeine
- Awareness Integration Institute, San Clemente, CA, USA
- Department of Health Science, California State University at Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | | | - Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Purba Medinipur, WB, 721172, India
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Milan Makale
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0819, USA
| | - Kevin T Murphy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, 40700, Israel
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise, and Mental Health, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
- Division of Reward Deficiency Clinics, TranspliceGen Therapeutics, Inc, Austin, TX, USA
- Division of Clinical Neurology, The Kenneth Blum Institute of Neurogenetics & Behavior, LLC, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
- Division of Personalized Medicine, Cross-Cultural Research and Educational Institute, San Clemente, CA, USA
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Purba Medinipur, WB, 721172, India
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont School of Medicine, Burlington, VA, USA
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
193
|
Chau AKC, So SHW, Barkus E. The role of loneliness and negative schemas in the moment-to-moment dynamics between social anxiety and paranoia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20775. [PMID: 38008774 PMCID: PMC10679161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47912-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Social anxiety and paranoia often co-occur and exacerbate each other. While loneliness and negative schemas contribute to the development of social anxiety and paranoia separately, their role in the development of the two symptoms co-occurring is rarely considered longitudinally. This study examined the moment-to-moment relationship between social anxiety and paranoia, as well as the effects of loneliness and negative schemas on both experiences individually and coincidingly. A total of 134 non-clinical young adults completed experience sampling assessments of momentary social anxiety, paranoia, and loneliness ten times per day for six consecutive days. Participants' negative-self and -other schemas were assessed with the Brief Core Schema Scale. Dynamic structural equation modelling revealed a bidirectional relationship between social anxiety and paranoia across moments. Loneliness preceded increases in both symptoms in the next moment. Higher negative-self schema was associated with a stronger link from paranoia to social anxiety; whereas higher negative-other schema was associated with a stronger link from social anxiety to paranoia. Our findings support the reciprocal relationship between social anxiety and paranoia. While loneliness contributes to the development of social anxiety and paranoia, negative self and other schemas appear to modify the relationships between the two symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anson Kai Chun Chau
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, New Territories, 3/F Wong Foo Yuan Building, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Suzanne Ho-Wai So
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, New Territories, 3/F Wong Foo Yuan Building, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
194
|
Luo Q, Shao R. The positive and negative emotion functions related to loneliness: a systematic review of behavioural and neuroimaging studies. PSYCHORADIOLOGY 2023; 3:kkad029. [PMID: 38666115 PMCID: PMC10917374 DOI: 10.1093/psyrad/kkad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness is associated with high prevalences of major psychiatric illnesses such as major depression. However, the underlying emotional mechanisms of loneliness remained unclear. We hypothesized that loneliness originates from both decreases in positive emotional processing and increases in negative emotion processing. To test this, we conducted a systematic review of 29 previous studies (total participants n = 19 560, mean age = 37.16 years, female proportion = 59.7%), including 18 studies that included questionnaire measures of emotions only, and 11 studies that examined the brain correlates of emotions. The main findings were that loneliness was negatively correlated with general positive emotions and positively correlated with general negative emotions. Furthermore, limited evidence indicates loneliness exhibited negative and positive correlations with the brain positive (e.g. the striatum) and negative (e.g. insula) emotion systems, respectively, but the sign of correlation was not entirely consistent. Additionally, loneliness was associated with the structure and function of the brain emotion regulation systems, particularly the prefrontal cortex, but the direction of this relationship remained ambiguous. We concluded that the existing evidence supported a bivalence model of loneliness, but several critical gaps existed that could be addressed by future studies that include adolescent and middle-aged samples, use both questionnaire and task measures of emotions, distinguish between general emotion and social emotion as well as between positive and negative emotion regulation, and adopt a longitudinal design that allows us to ascertain the causal relationships between loneliness and emotion dysfunction. Our findings provide new insights into the underlying emotion mechanisms of loneliness that can inform interventions for lonely individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianyi Luo
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510370, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P.R. China
| | - Robin Shao
- Department of Affective Disorder, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511370, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
195
|
Holloway J, Sayeed O, Jurivich D. Tellegacy: An Intergenerational Wellness and Health Promotion Project to Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: A Feasibility Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7094. [PMID: 38063524 PMCID: PMC10706816 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20237094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Emerging research demonstrates that social isolation and loneliness are linked to significant physical and mental health conditions. To address these concerns, the Tellegacy program was developed as an intergenerational health-promoting intervention to ameliorate older adult social isolation and loneliness in an effort to increase wellness. The purpose of this study was to reflect on testing of the Tellegacy program as a behavioral intervention. University students trained in goal setting, mindfulness, and listening strategies were paired with 11 older adults in the northern Midwest area via weekly in-person and phone conversations. Oral reminiscence therapies were used and books containing their stories were given to the older adults after participation. Older adults were surveyed using the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, Satisfaction of Life Scale, and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale to elucidate the effectiveness of the intervention. Improved scores in loneliness, satisfaction of life, and PHQ-9 demonstrated favorable improvements in older adults. Additional benefits for the student Legacy Builder were revealed from self-reported changes. This suggests the potential benefits of structured encounters between trained students and isolated or lonely older adults. The Tellegacy intergenerational feasibility program warrants further studies to fully demonstrate its impact on health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Holloway
- Department of Geriatrics, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA;
| | - Owais Sayeed
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA;
| | - Donald Jurivich
- Department of Geriatrics, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
196
|
McKenna-Plumley PE, Turner RN, Yang K, Groarke JM. "It's a feeling of complete disconnection": experiences of existential loneliness from youth to older adulthood. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:408. [PMID: 37990348 PMCID: PMC10664587 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existential loneliness is a feeling which stems from a sense of fundamental separation from others and the world. Although commonly mentioned in the loneliness literature, there is relatively little empirical work on this construct, and existing work tends to focus on older and seriously ill individuals. The present study aimed to understand how people experience existential loneliness without specific constraints on precipitating factors like illness or age. METHODS A qualitative online survey collected data from 225 adults aged 16 to 72 years old. Participants were asked to write about their experiences of existential loneliness and how these experiences compared to non-existential loneliness. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Of 225 participants, 51% knew the meaning of "existential loneliness" upon accessing the survey and in total, 83% had experienced existential loneliness. 93% of these participants had also experienced loneliness that was not existential in nature. 175 participants provided qualitative data regarding their experiences of existential loneliness, from which four themes were identified: Existential loneliness is (1) A deeper form of loneliness, and (2) A feeling of deep disconnection, in which (3) Cognitive evaluations and negative emotions are central elements, and (4) Stress and mental health issues are perceived as relevant factors. CONCLUSIONS Existential loneliness is a deeply rooted and impactful form of loneliness which involves feelings of profound separateness. This aspect of loneliness is deserving of further attention. Future research directions are suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe E McKenna-Plumley
- Centre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
- Centre for Identity and Intergroup Relations, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - Rhiannon N Turner
- Centre for Identity and Intergroup Relations, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Keming Yang
- Department of Sociology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Jenny M Groarke
- Centre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
197
|
Mansk LMZ, Jaimes LF, Dias TL, Pereira GS. Social recognition memory differences between mouse strains: On the effects of social isolation, adult neurogenesis, and environmental enrichment. Brain Res 2023; 1819:148535. [PMID: 37595660 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Remembering conspecifics is paramount for the establishment and maintenance of groups. Here we asked whether the variability in social behavior caused by different breeding strategies affects social recognition memory (SRM). We tested the hypothesis that the inbred Swiss and the outbred C57BL/6 mice behave differently on SRM. Social memory in C57BL/6 mice endured at least 14 days, while in Swiss mice lasted 24 h but not ten days. We showed previously that an enriched environment enhanced the persistence of SRM in Swiss mice. Here we reproduced this result and added that it also increases the survival of adult-born neurons in the hippocampus. Next, we tested whether prolonged SRM observed in C57BL/6 mice could be changed by diminishing the trial duration or using an interference stimulus after learning. Neither short acquisition time nor interference during consolidation affected it. However, social isolation impaired SRM in C57BL/6 mice, similar to what was previously observed in Swiss mice. Our results demonstrate that SRM expression can vary according to the mouse strain, which shows the importance of considering this variable when choosing the most suitable model to answer specific questions about this memory system. We also demonstrate the suitability of both C57BL/6 and Swiss strains for exploring the impact of environmental conditions and adult neurogenesis on social memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Z Mansk
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Laura F Jaimes
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thomaz L Dias
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Grace S Pereira
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
198
|
Sun H, Schafer MH. Distance in Disconnection: The Varied Impact of Core Network Losses on Loneliness Among Older Europeans. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:1917-1926. [PMID: 37594237 PMCID: PMC10645308 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research among older adults reveals that the loss of core network members is a risk factor for loneliness. Still, it is not clear whether all such losses induce similar levels of loneliness, particularly as network members are distributed at varied geographic distances. Neither is it clear whether tie addition-the other ubiquitous aspect of network turnover in later life-offsets the loneliness that arises from different network loss scenarios. METHODS This paper scrutinized core network losses across multiple relationship-distance scenarios. We used the fourth and sixth waves of data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe and estimated fixed-effect models. RESULTS The loss of a child from a core network increases feelings of loneliness across variant distances, especially when not complemented by additional connections. Losing relatives or nonkin core connections in proximity (within 1 km and 5 km radius, respectively) is also associated with increased loneliness, yet such effects are also largely mitigated by the addition of new core network members. DISCUSSION The relationship between core network member losses and loneliness can significantly differ based on the nature of the lost connection and its geographic distance. Active rebalancing of one's core network following losses and proactive network expansion can serve as pivotal strategies to prevent loneliness for the aging population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haosen Sun
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
199
|
Gerber AH, Keluskar J, Lerner MD. Longitudinal Impact of the Pandemic on Social Disruption and Loneliness in Autistic and Non-Autistic Youth. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37956102 PMCID: PMC11089075 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2023.2272933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The coronavirus pandemic drastically increased social isolation. Autistic youth already experience elevated social isolation and loneliness, making them highly vulnerable to the impact of the pandemic. We examined trajectories of social disruption and loneliness in autistic and non-autistic youth during a six-month period of the pandemic (June 2020 until November 2020). METHOD Participants were 76 youth, ages 8 through 17, (Mage = 12.82, Nautistic = 51) with an IQ ≥ 70. Youth completed a biweekly measure of loneliness (Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale) and their parent completed a measure of pandemic-related family social disruption (Epidemic Pandemic Impacts Inventory). RESULTS There were no time trends in loneliness across all youth, however, social disruption displayed linear, quadratic, and cubic trends. Non-autistic youth reported relatively greater declines in social disruption compared to autistic youth. Additionally, autistic youth reported relatively greater declines in loneliness relative to non-autistic youth. Greater social disruption was associated with higher loneliness, however, autistic youth demonstrated a relatively stronger relationship between social disruption and loneliness compared to non-autistic youth. CONCLUSIONS The current study was one of the first to investigate social disruption and loneliness in autistic youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicated that autistic youth experienced relative decreases in loneliness during this time, perhaps due to reductions in social demands. Nonetheless, when autistic youth did experience social disruption, they reported relatively higher levels of loneliness. This work contributes to our understanding of risk factors for loneliness and highlights the need to understand the benefits, as well as the challenges, to remote schooling and social interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan H. Gerber
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
200
|
Xia C, Xu J, Wang Y. Getting Good Sleep with Family Support: The Role of Fear of Crime and Loneliness. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:909. [PMID: 37998656 PMCID: PMC10669028 DOI: 10.3390/bs13110909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep problems in middle-aged and older people can threaten their physical and mental health. Family support is regarded as a key factor that affects sleep quality, but the influence mechanism remains underexplored. This study analyzes the mediating effects of fear of crime (FOC) and loneliness in the relationship between family support and sleep quality, and explores whether gender plays a moderating role between family support and FOC. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1043 Chinese middle-aged and older people aged 45-93 years. Using 10,000 bootstrapped samples, the study shows that middle-aged and older people who receive more family support have better sleep quality, and FOC and loneliness play mediating role in this association. Gender moderates the relationship between family support and FOC. Compared with men, family support for females has a greater impact on their FOC condition, and the mediating effect of family support on sleep quality through FOC is also greater among women. Family support can affect sleep quality through the chain mediating effect of FOC and loneliness for women. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the relationship between family support and sleep quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Xia
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Jiuhua-Nan-Road 189, Wuhu 241000, China;
| | - Jia Xu
- School of Marxism, Anhui Normal University, Jiuhua-Nan-Road 189, Wuhu 241000, China;
| | - Yaya Wang
- School of Finance, Taxation and Public Administration, Tongling University, Cuihu-Si-Road 1335, Tongling 244061, China
| |
Collapse
|