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Volkos P, Linardakis M, Stamati M, Symvoulakis EK. Exploring Loneliness, Trust, and Psychosocial Meanings Among Primary Care Attendees: A Cross-Sectional Study From a General Practice Setting in Crete, Greece. Cureus 2024; 16:e61019. [PMID: 38910642 PMCID: PMC11194041 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61019] [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] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loneliness is often associated with behavioral, psychological, social, and mental and physical health aspects, while the relationship between trust and loneliness is still challenging in terms of research. The present study aimed to investigate to what extent loneliness and trust interact and if there is any association between loneliness and routine events or behaviors that affect overall well-being. METHODS This cross-sectional sample of 120 participants, aged between 40 and 75 years, was collected from an urban Primary Health Care Unit, between May and July 2023, in a consecutive manner, after criteria application. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale (Version 3) and the Personal Trust and Connections Scale (PerTC) were completed. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis in steps and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 59.8 years and the majority were females (73.3%). Only 10.8% were found to have no Behavioral Risk Factors (BRFs). A higher sense of loneliness was associated with being widowed/unmarried/divorced (unstandardized β=-4.10, p=0.045), not having children (β=-2.80, p=0.038), having more BRFs (β=2.03, p=0.032), or being in contact with fewer friends (β=-0.56, p<0.001). A higher sense of loneliness was related to lower levels of trust (β=-1.29, p=0.032). Lower odds of demonstrating high levels of loneliness were found among married individuals (odds ratio (OR): 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15, 0.95; p=0.039) and those who reported six or more routine contacts or meetings with friends (OR: 0.31; 95% CI 0.13, 0.74; p=0.008). A lower score on the total PerTC scale was related to higher odds of increased loneliness (OR: 2.78; 95%CI 1.01, 7.62; p=0.048). CONCLUSION Being married and coming in contact or meeting with more friends was associated with lower odds of reporting high feelings of loneliness, while lower trust was correlated with increased odds of loneliness. Also, persons with more BRFs were found to have a higher loneliness score. Given their inverse correlation, tools that measure levels of loneliness and trust, like the UCLA and PerTC scales, may be used within primary care consultation to offer new insights on health risk behaviors and their possible synergistic influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Volkos
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, GRC
| | - Manolis Linardakis
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, GRC
| | - Maria Stamati
- 4th Local Health Team, Academic Unit of Heraklion, Heraklion, GRC
| | - Emmanouil K Symvoulakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, GRC
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Gu W, Yu X, Tan Y, Yu Z, Zhu J. Association between weight, weight perception, weight teasing and mental health among adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:39. [PMID: 38521915 PMCID: PMC10960988 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00730-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent mental health problems are becoming increasingly prevalent, and there are correlations between weight-related concerns and adolescent mental health. The aim of this study is to explore the association between three weight-related factors (actual weight, weight perception, and weight teasing) and mental health problems (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and loneliness) in Chinese adolescents. METHODS 10,070 adolescents between the ages of 11-18 from schools in Shanghai, China were selected using a stratified random cluster sampling method. Self-reported questionnaires were collected to investigate weight-related factors and mental health problems. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship. RESULTS The prevalence of depressive symptoms, loneliness, mild anxiety symptoms, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms among adolescents were 18.0%, 53.8%, 26.5%, and 12.3%, respectively, with a higher prevalence found in females. After adjusting for weight perception and weight teasing, actual weight had no harmful impact on adolescents' mental health. Adolescents' perception of being overweight increased the risk of depressive symptoms, loneliness, mild anxiety symptoms, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, while the perception of being underweight had a similar but more profound impact (depressive symptoms OR = 1.590, 95% CI: 1.342-1.883; loneliness OR = 1.537, 95% CI: 1.353-1.746; mild anxiety symptoms OR = 1.368, 95% CI: 1.178-1.589; moderate to severe anxiety symptoms OR = 1.780, 95% CI: 1.449-2.186). Experiencing weight teasing more than once a year had a greater effect on adolescents' mental health, especially among adolescents with overweight/obesity (depressive symptoms OR = 2.970, 95% CI: 2.325-3.793; loneliness OR = 3.839, 95% CI: 3.119-4.727; mild anxiety symptoms OR = 2.822, 95% CI: 2.236-3.562; moderate to severe anxiety symptoms OR = 5.212, 95% CI: 3.846-7.065). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents was high, especially loneliness. Weight perception and weight teasing, but not the actual weight, independently influenced adolescent mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Gu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinliang Tan
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiping Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jingfen Zhu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Tandon S, Patte KA, Goldfield GS, Leatherdale ST, Chaput JP. Loneliness during COVID-19 and its association with eating habits and 24-hour movement behaviours in a sample of Canadian adolescents. Prev Med Rep 2023; 35:102287. [PMID: 37361922 PMCID: PMC10273770 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness, a feeling of distress, has aggravated due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and reduced social interactions. The objective of this study was to explore whether increased loneliness due to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with various health behaviours in adolescence, a critical period for the development of lasting lifestyle habits. We used self-reported data from 40,521 Canadian adolescents aged 12-19 years (collected between November 2020 and June 2021) for this cross-sectional study. Logistic regression was used to predict the odds of skipping breakfast and not meeting movement behaviour guidelines [moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (≥60 min/day), recreational screen time (≤2 h/day), sleep duration (≥8 h/day)] among adolescents with increased loneliness due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We found higher odds of skipping breakfast [boys: OR 1.40 (95% CI: 1.32, 1.49), girls: OR 1.62 (95% CI: 1.53, 1.71)], exceeding screen time guidelines [boys: OR 1.43 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.66), girls: OR 1.72 (95% CI: 1.54, 1.92)], and insufficient sleep duration [boys: OR 1.38 (95% CI: 1.28, 1.48), girls: OR 1.36 (95% CI: 1.27, 1.45)] in adolescents with increased loneliness (versus decreased/stayed the same loneliness group). However, we found clinically insignificant results with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Future longitudinal studies in adolescents are needed to confirm the directionality of these associations. Recovery efforts are needed to support adolescent social health and establish healthy behavioural habits across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saniya Tandon
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen A Patte
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, Niagara Region, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary S Goldfield
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott T Leatherdale
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Chaput
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Jefferson R, Barreto M, Verity L, Qualter P. Loneliness During the School Years: How It Affects Learning and How Schools Can Help . THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023; 93:428-435. [PMID: 36861756 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substantial evidence links loneliness to poor academic outcomes and poor employment prospects. Schools have been shown to be places that mitigate or aggravate loneliness, suggesting a need to consider how schools can better support youth experiencing loneliness. METHODS We conducted a narrative review on loneliness in childhood and adolescence to examine the literature on how loneliness changes over the school years and how it influences learning. We also examined whether there were increases in loneliness because of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated school closures, and whether schools can be places for loneliness interventions/prevention. FINDINGS Studies describe how loneliness becomes more prevalent during the adolescent years and why that is the case. Loneliness is associated with poor academic outcomes and poor health behaviors that impact learning or turn students away from education. Research shows that loneliness increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that creating positive social classroom environments, where teacher and classmate support are available, is crucial in combatting youth loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Adaptations to the school climate can be made to meet the needs of all students, reducing loneliness. Investigation of the impacts of school-based loneliness prevention/intervention is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jefferson
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Lily Verity
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
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Solis-Urra P, Esteban-Cornejo I, Mora-Gonzalez J, Stillman C, Contreras-Rodriguez O, Erickson KI, Catena A, Ortega FB. Early life factors and hippocampal functional connectivity in children with overweight/obesity. Pediatr Obes 2023; 18:e12998. [PMID: 36573637 PMCID: PMC11225616 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12998] [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: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the association of anthropometric neonatal data (birth length and birth weight) and breastfeeding practices (exclusive and any breastfeeding) with hippocampal functional connectivity and its academic implication in children with overweight/obesity. METHODS Ninety six children with overweight/obesity aged 8-11 years (10.01 ± 1.14), from the ActiveBrains project were included in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric neonatal data were collected from birth records, whereas breastfeeding practices were reported by parents. A 3.0 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Tim Trio system was used to acquire T1-weighted and resting-state functional magnetic resonance images. Academic performance was assessed by the Woodcock-Muñoz standardized test. Hippocampal seed-based methods with post-hoc regression analyses were performed. Analyses were considered significant when surpassing Family-Wise Error corrections. RESULTS Birth weight showed a positive association with the connectivity between the hippocampus and the pre- and postcentral gyri, and the cerebellum. In addition, breastfeeding was negatively associated with the connectivity between the hippocampus and the primary motor cortex and the angular gyrus. Any breastfeeding, in turn, showed a positive association with the connectivity between the hippocampus and the middle temporal gyrus. None of the connectivity outcomes related to early life factors was coupled with better academic abilities (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that birth weight at birth and breastfeeding are associated with hippocampal connectivity in children with overweight/obesity. Despite this, how the results relate to academic performance remains a matter of speculation. Our findings suggest that clinicians should recognize the importance early life factors for potentially avoiding consequences on offspring's brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Solis-Urra
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Nuclear Medicine Services, “Virgen de Las Nieves”, University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Irene Esteban-Cornejo
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Mora-Gonzalez
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Chelsea Stillman
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Oren Contreras-Rodriguez
- Medical Imaging, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), and CIBERSAM, Girona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kirk I. Erickson
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- AdventHealth Research Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Andrés Catena
- School of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco B. Ortega
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Khan A, Khan S, Burton N. Insufficient physical activity and high sedentary behaviour are associated with loneliness in adolescents with overweight/obesity: Evidence from 23 low- and middle-income countries. Pediatr Obes 2022; 17:e12836. [PMID: 34313029 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12836] [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: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Overweight and obesity among young people is a major concern with implications for social wellbeing. We aimed to evaluate the associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with loneliness among adolescents with overweight/obesity. METHODS Data were used from the Global School-based Student Health Surveys, collected from 23 low-and-middle-income countries. RESULTS Of the 12,133 participants aged 12-17 years with overweight/obesity (48.4% girls), 12% were lonely, with a wide variation across countries ranging from 4% in Laos to 32% in Afghanistan. Overall, 31% had high SB (≥3 hours/day) and 86% were not sufficiently active (<7 days/week of ≥ 60 mins/day). High SB and insufficient PA were positively associated with loneliness (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.38, aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.18-1.59, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Future research could examine the direction of these relationships and evaluate strategies to optimise these indicators of social wellbeing among adolescents with overweight/obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaduzzaman Khan
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shanchita Khan
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicola Burton
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Puhl RM, Lessard LM. Weight Stigma in Youth: Prevalence, Consequences, and Considerations for Clinical Practice. Curr Obes Rep 2020; 9:402-411. [PMID: 33079337 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-020-00408-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes recent evidence on weight stigma experienced by youth with overweight or obesity. We examine the prevalence and sources of weight-based victimization targeting youth, consequences of these stigmatizing experiences for their psychological and physical health, and considerations for addressing weight stigma in clinical practice and pediatric care. RECENT FINDINGS Weight stigma is highly prevalent among youth with high body weight, who are targets of weight-based victimization from peers, parents, and teachers. These experiences place youth at risk for psychological distress (primarily depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation), worse social and academic outcomes, and adverse physical health consequences including maladaptive eating behaviors, lower physical activity, substance use, and weight gain. Healthcare professionals and clinicians have important roles to play in efforts to help reduce weight stigma and support youth with obesity. Fundamental to these efforts is the use of supportive, compassionate, and non-stigmatizing communication with youth and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Puhl
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, University of Connecticut, One Constitution Plaza, Suite 600, Hartford, CT, 0610, USA.
| | - Leah M Lessard
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, University of Connecticut, One Constitution Plaza, Suite 600, Hartford, CT, 0610, USA
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Sutter C, Kim JH, Bost KK. Connections between Friendship Quality, Peer Competence, and Obesity in Early Childhood through Adolescence. Child Obes 2020; 16:393-402. [PMID: 32678984 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2019.0287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Research indicates that youths with overweight and obesity often face difficulties in peer relationships. The current research examined longitudinal associations between youths' peer competence (i.e., successful interactions with peers), friendship quality (i.e., disclosure, conflict resolution, and companionship with a best friend), and body mass index (BMI) z-score when they were 3 to 15 years of age. Methods: A subsample of 1292 majority White families from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD) were included in the analyses. Measured height and weight were used to compute BMI z-scores. Youths reported on their friendship quality starting when they were 8-9 years. Peer competence was assessed with an observation of dyadic peer play when participants were 3 years old, and with maternal reports after that. Associations were examined using autoregressive cross-lagged path models. Results: Bidirectional associations between peer competence and friendship quality were noted when participants were 8-9 and 15 years old. Greater BMI z-scores when youths were 3 and 10-11 years old predicted lower peer competence when they were 15 and 11-12 years old, respectively. Peer competence when youths were 11-12 years old was negatively associated with BMI z-score at 15 years old. Multigroup Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that significant paths differed between boys and girls. Conclusions: Findings extend previous literature considering peer outcomes and weight by examining associations as early as 3 years old, and indicate the need for early outreach to buffer against detrimental effects on developing peer competencies, especially for girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Sutter
- Outlier Research and Evaluation, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Family Resiliency Center, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Joo Hyun Kim
- Center for Happiness Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kelly K Bost
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Mund M, Freuding MM, Möbius K, Horn N, Neyer FJ. The Stability and Change of Loneliness Across the Life Span: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2020; 24:24-52. [PMID: 31179872 PMCID: PMC6943963 DOI: 10.1177/1088868319850738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Individuals experience loneliness when they perceive a deficiency in the quality or quantity of their social relationships. In the present meta-analysis, we compiled data from 75 longitudinal studies conducted in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America (N = 83, 679) to examine the rank-order and mean-level development of loneliness across the life span. Data were analyzed using two- and three-level meta-analyses and generalized additive mixed models. The results indicate that the rank order of loneliness is as stable as the rank order of personality traits and follows an inverted U-shaped trajectory across the life span. Regarding mean-level development, loneliness was found to decrease throughout childhood and to remain essentially stable from adolescence to oldest old age. Thus, in contrast to other personality characteristics, changes in loneliness are not generally related to age. Implications for theory are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Mund
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicole Horn
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany
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