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Rees J, Liu W, Canson J, Crosby L, Tinker A, Probst F, Ourselin S, Antonelli M, Molteni E, Mexia N, Shi Y, Matcham F. Qualitative exploration of the lived experiences of loneliness in later life to inform technology development. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2398259. [PMID: 39305060 PMCID: PMC11418060 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2398259] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Loneliness is a negative emotional state which is common in later life. The accumulative effects of loneliness have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of older adults. We aim to qualitatively explore the experiences of loneliness in later life and identify relevant behaviours and indicators which will inform novel methods of loneliness detection and intervention. METHODS We conducted 60 semi-structured interviews with people aged 65 and over between September 2022 and August 2023. Data were analysed using a reflective thematic approach with early theme development on NVIVO software. RESULTS Three themes were identified from the experiences of loneliness in older adults. 1) Unique responses to loneliness, including crying, increased eating or drinking and sleep difficulties, 2) Age-related losses, such as networks, roles, and abilities to engage in activities reducing over time and 3) Individual differences in overcoming loneliness, where strategies such as keeping busy and adopting a positive mindset were impacted by motivation and mood of older adults. CONCLUSION Distinct signs and relevant factors to loneliness in later life have been identified which can be detected by future sensing technologies. Findings of this in-depth qualitative study highlight that loneliness is a subjective experience requiring a holistic and person-centred approach to detection and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rees
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Engineering, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Jiana Canson
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK
| | - Lynda Crosby
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK
| | - Anthea Tinker
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Freya Probst
- Department of Engineering, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Michela Antonelli
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Erika Molteni
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Yu Shi
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Faith Matcham
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK
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Moseley L, Scott J, Fidler G, Agarwal G, Clarke C, Hammond‐Williams J, Ingram C, McDonnell A, Collins T. 'If It Was Easy Somebody Would Have Fixed It': An Exploration of Loneliness and Social Isolation Amongst People Who Frequently Call Ambulance Services. Health Expect 2024; 27:e14167. [PMID: 39129710 PMCID: PMC11317808 DOI: 10.1111/hex.14167] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to explore social isolation and loneliness in those who frequently contacted the ambulance service, what factors contributed to this and how unmet needs could be addressed. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with staff from the ambulance service and service users who were identified as frequently contacting the ambulance service. Service users also completed the UCLA loneliness scale and personal community maps. Data were analysed thematically before triangulation with the UCLA loneliness scale and personal community maps. RESULTS The final analysis was drawn from 15 staff and seven service user participants. The relationship between social isolation and loneliness and contacting the ambulance service was a contributing, but not the driving, factor in contacting the ambulance service. For service users, we identified three key themes: (1) impact on activities of daily living and loneliness and/or isolation as a result of a health condition; (2) accessing appropriate health and social care services to meet needs; (3) the link between social isolation and/or loneliness and contact with the ambulance service. The analysis of staff data also highlighted three key themes: (1) social isolation and/or loneliness in their role; (2) access to other appropriate health and social care services; (3) the impact of austerity and Covid-19 on social isolation and/or loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Our research emphasises the complex nature of social isolation and loneliness, including the cyclic nature of poor health and social isolation and loneliness, and how this contributes to contact with the ambulance service. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The advisory group for the study was supported by a public and patient representative who contributed to the design of the study documentation, data analysis and authorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Moseley
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Jason Scott
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Gayle Fidler
- North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Gina Agarwal
- Institute for Research on AgingMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Cathy Clarke
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | | | - Carrie Ingram
- North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Aidan McDonnell
- Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Health and Social Care TrustBelfastUK
| | - Tracy Collins
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
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Botha F, Bower M. Predictors of male loneliness across life stages: an Australian study of longitudinal data. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1285. [PMID: 38730388 PMCID: PMC11088127 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18770-w] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing recognition of loneliness as a global public health concern, research on its occurrence and precipitants among men across different life stages remains limited and inconclusive. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the prevalence and predictors of loneliness among a large, representative data set of Australian adult men. METHODS The study used longitudinal data from waves 2-21 of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, including men aged 15-98. Estimating linear fixed effects regressions that account for unobserved time-invariant individual heterogeneity, a single-item measure of loneliness was regressed on a set of selected explanatory variables over different parts of the life course. RESULTS Increased social isolation, romantic partnership dissolution, having a long-term disability, and stronger beliefs that the man, rather than the woman, should be the breadwinner of the household, are associated with greater loneliness. Frequent social connection, having a romantic partner, and high neighbourhood satisfaction are protective against loneliness. The findings also reveal several differences in the predictors of loneliness over the life course. Job security is especially important for younger men, whereas for older men volunteering and less conservative gender role attitudes are important factors that can decrease loneliness. CONCLUSIONS The results emphasise the need to consider age-specific factors and societal expectations in understanding and addressing loneliness amongst men. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the impact of societal norms and expectations on men's mental health. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers to develop effective strategies and support systems to combat loneliness and promote well-being among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdi Botha
- Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families Over the Life Course, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marlee Bower
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
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Peleg O, Boniel-Nissim M. Exploring the personality and relationship factors that mediate the connection between differentiation of self and phubbing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6572. [PMID: 38504119 PMCID: PMC10951228 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55560-1] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the family patterns crucial for mental and physical well-being is differentiation of self. In this study, our aim was to investigate its impact on the phenomenon of phubbing-where individuals prioritize smartphones over in-person interactions. The prevalence of phubbing behavior has risen substantially in tandem with the increased adoption of smartphones. The study investigated familial, interpersonal, and personal factors that could potentially contribute to the escalation of phubbing behaviors. It was hypothesized that differentiation of self would be associated with phubbing through the mediation of fear of missing out, romantic relationship satisfaction, and loneliness in intimate relationships. We also expected gender differences in the study variables. A sample of 431 young adults, with an average age of 29 (M = 29.05, SD = 9.14), completed the DSI-R, Phubbing, FoMO, ENRICH, and LIRS questionnaires online. Results indicated that fear of missing out mediated the relationship between three dimensions of differentiation of self-emotional reactivity, emotional cutoff, and fusion with others-and phubbing behavior. However, the expected mediation by romantic relationship satisfaction and loneliness in intimate relationships did not reach significance, although these variables were found to be associated with differentiation of self. Women reported higher levels of phubbing behavior, emotional reactivity, and fusion with others, whereas men reported higher levels of I-position. We conclude that fear of missing out may serve as a catalyst, triggering anxiety in individuals, which in turn drives them to adopt phubbing as a coping mechanism. Moreover, individuals with lower levels of differentiation of self appear to be at increased risk of engaging in phubbing behaviors through the mediation of fear of missing out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ora Peleg
- Departments of Educational Counseling and Education, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel.
| | - Meyran Boniel-Nissim
- Departments of Educational Counseling and Education, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel
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Ratcliffe J, Galdas P, Kanaan M. Older men and loneliness: a cross-sectional study of sex differences in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:354. [PMID: 38308255 PMCID: PMC10835981 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17892-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research into men and masculinities suggests men may be more reluctant than women to state they are lonely, more reliant on partners/spouses and/or alcohol to tackle it, and that this may be a result of poorer social relationships. Ageing is often associated with loneliness, and research has indicated gendered results in older people, but existing evidence lacks generalisability and cultural context. This study tests hypotheses on sex differences in loneliness in older England-based men and women. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study using a sample of 6936 respondents aged 50 + from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (wave 8). Multiple imputation with chained equations was conducted to handle missing data. Multivariate regression was used to investigate the impact of sex on a direct question on loneliness whilst controlling for the University of California loneliness (UCLA) scale. Multivariate regression with interaction terms were used to examine sex differences in loneliness and alcohol consumption, partner status, and social relationships. RESULTS Older men were less likely than older women to state they are lonely even when controlling for UCLA score. Older men showed a greater association between loneliness and alcohol consumption, but only when measuring the number of units consumed in the last week, and not using a less precise measure of the past year. Older men who cohabited with a partner were less lonely than cohabiting older women, whereas previously married but not cohabiting older men were lonelier than their female counterparts. However, never married older men were less lonely than never married older women. Evidence was found to suggests older men's worse friendships mediated this association, but social isolation and number of close relationships did not. Severe isolation predicted greater loneliness in older women, but not older men. CONCLUSIONS Cultural ideals of masculinity and older men's poorer quality friendships may explain their reluctance to directly state loneliness, greater dependency on partners/spouses, and use of alcohol. Severely isolated older men may under-report loneliness on the UCLA scale as well as a direct question.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ratcliffe
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
- Sheffield Hallam University, College of Health, Wellbeing, and Life Sciences, Robert Winston Building, Sheffield, S10 2BP, UK.
| | - Paul Galdas
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Mona Kanaan
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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Lewis S, Willis K, Smith L, Dubbin L, Rogers A, Moensted ML, Smallwood N. There but not really involved: The meanings of loneliness for people with chronic illness. Soc Sci Med 2024; 343:116596. [PMID: 38246108 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116596] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness is one of the most pressing and rapidly growing contemporary social challenges around the world. Yet we still lack a good understanding of how loneliness is constituted and experienced by those most affected. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 people with chronic illness who were experiencing loneliness to explore what loneliness means to them and how it impacts in their daily lives. Drawing on ideas around liquidity and performativity, we identified the relational, temporal and social layers of loneliness. Our analysis revealed the interconnectedness of chronic illness and loneliness in participants' daily lives, as well as how chronic illness shifts temporal orientation, and transforms interpersonal relationships and relationship with self, contributing to the experiences of loneliness. Though participants described the many social conditions that restricted their opportunities for social participation, giving them a sense of being left behind and spectating the social life of others, a rhetoric of loneliness as a problem and responsibility of the individual was still prominent. A narrative of the need to perform social connection emerged in the absence of meaningful social bonds with others. We argue that normative ideals of wellness and positivity circulating in chronic illness communities and society more broadly are implicated in the experience of loneliness for people with chronic conditions. We conclude by considering how more expansive representations of how to live well with chronic illness may be important in reducing personal and collective loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lewis
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Karen Willis
- Public Health, Institute for Health & Sport, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lorraine Smith
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Anne Rogers
- University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Maja Lindegaard Moensted
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Central Clinical School, The Alfred, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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