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Olofsson J, Sjögren-Forss K, Bramhagen AC, Rämgård M. Voices Unheard: A Reflective Lifeworld Research Study of Older Arabic-Speaking Female Migrants and Their Experience of Existential Loneliness. Int J Older People Nurs 2024; 19:e12633. [PMID: 39056557 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12633] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Existential loneliness (EL) is an unavoidable, deeper sense of loneliness. EL has been described as disconnection from life and the universe, experienced even in the presence of family and friends. Meaninglessness, loss of health and significant others seem to trigger older persons EL. Older Arabic-speaking women are a large migrant group in Sweden and there is a lack in knowledge about their experience of EL. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the phenomenon of EL as experienced by older Arabic-speaking female migrants. METHODS This study was based on a phenomenological approach known as reflective lifeworld research (RLR). Ten older migrated Arabic-speaking women were included in the study. Lifeworld interviews were conducted to collect data. The data were analysed in accordance with the phenomenological RLR principles of openness, flexibility and bridling. RESULTS This study shows that EL is experienced when there is a lack of attachment to place and people. EL is experienced more distinctively in the beginning of the migration process. It was difficult sharing feelings of EL with anyone. Feelings of meaninglessness occurred when entering a new lifeworld and triggered EL. EL was however attenuated when being able to practise their religion. CONCLUSION Lack of attachment to place and people as well as feelings of meaninglessness brought existential loneliness to the fore for the older Arabic-speaking female migrants. There was a collision of lifeworlds not at least by the fact moving as a Muslim woman to one of the most secular countries in the world. Practising their religion attenuated their EL. To promote better health for this group of women, it is of importance to be aware of EL and its mode of expression. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE It is crucial to let the voice of older Arabic-speaking female migrants be heard and to be aware of their experience of EL and its mode of expression in order to promote better health. Further, educational training for nursing professionals and nursing students needs to be provided to develop skills how to be aware of and address EL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Olofsson
- Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Katarina Sjögren-Forss
- Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ann-Cathrine Bramhagen
- Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Margareta Rämgård
- Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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Hadeei S. Development and Validation of a New Measurement Scale for Existential Loneliness. Assessment 2024; 31:1100-1113. [PMID: 37876135 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231204831] [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: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
This article deals with the development and initial validation of the Existential Loneliness Scale (ELS). An initial pool of 40 items, generated based on literature review, qualitative studies, and previously developed scales, was evaluated by the experts' judgment, so 30 items were retained and then administered to an Iranian sample of 433 youth and adult participants aged 20 to 85 years. Participants also completed other measures relevant for construct validity: Existential Loneliness Questionnaire (ELQ), De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS-6), Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (EAQ), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Exploratory factor analysis and parallel analysis showed strong evidence of unidimensionality. This result was also supported by confirmatory factor analysis test. Finally, 19 items were kept, which were free from DIF by gender and by marital status. The scale had high internal consistency (α = .95 and ω = .95) and adequate test-retest reliability with a 1-month interval (r = .74). Examination of the ELS' correlation with criterion measures indicated that the scale has good concurrent, discriminant, and convergent validity. Findings revealed the ELS as a reliable, valid, and suitable instrument to measure existential loneliness in the Iranian adult population.
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Duffner LA, Janssen N, Deckers K, Schroyen S, de Vugt ME, Köhler S, Adam S, Verhey FRJ, Veenstra MY. Facing the Next "Geriatric Giant"-A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions Tackling Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:105110. [PMID: 38945174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105110] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Loneliness and social isolation are associated with adverse health outcomes, especially within the older adult population, underlining the need for effective interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize all available evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions for loneliness and social isolation, to map out their working mechanisms, and to give implications for policy and practice. DESIGN Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Older adults (≥65 years). METHODS A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL for studies quantitively or qualitatively assessing effects of interventions for loneliness and social isolation in older adults, following predefined selection criteria. Risk of bias as well as small study effects were assessed and, wherever appropriate, information about effect sizes of individual studies pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Sources for between-study heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression. RESULTS Of n = 2223 identified articles, n = 67 were eventually included for narrative synthesis. Significant intervention effects were reported for a proportion of studies (55.9% and 50.0% for loneliness and social isolation, respectively) and 57.6% of studies including a follow-up measure (n = 29) reported sustained intervention effects. Meta-analysis of n = 27 studies, representing n = 1756 participants, suggested a medium overall effect of loneliness interventions (d = -0.47; 95% CI, -0.62 to -0.32). Between-study heterogeneity was substantial and could not be explained by differences in study design, year of publication, outcome measures, intervention length, participant demographics, setting, baseline level of loneliness, or geographic location. However, non-technology-based interventions reported larger effect sizes on average (Δd = -0.35; 95% CI, -0.66 to -0.04; P = .029) and were more often significant. Qualitative assessment of potential intervention mechanisms resulted in 3 clusters of effective components: "promoting social contact," "transferring knowledge and skills," and "addressing social cognition". CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Interventions for loneliness and social isolation can generally be effective, although some unexplained between-study heterogeneity remains. Further research is needed regarding the applicability of interventions across different settings and countries, also considering their cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas A Duffner
- Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Janssen
- Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Kay Deckers
- Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah Schroyen
- Psychology of Aging Unit (UPsySen), Faculty of Psychology, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marjolein E de Vugt
- Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Köhler
- Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stéphane Adam
- Psychology of Aging Unit (UPsySen), Faculty of Psychology, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Frans R J Verhey
- Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marja Y Veenstra
- Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Huxhold O, Fiori KL. Understanding loneliness in late life. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 57:101801. [PMID: 38428351 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101801] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness in late adulthood is a public health issue. Thus, understanding the etiology of loneliness is of critical importance. Here, we conceptualize the development of loneliness in late life as dynamic interactions between individual and contextual processes. Specifically, we suggest that loneliness arises if the existing social relationships are unable to meet a set of social expectations. These expectations are fulfilled by three different layers of the social structure: 1) close confidants; 2) broader social networks; and 3) involvement in the community. Although older adults experience losses in their broader network and engage less in the community, they may avoid loneliness by focusing on close confidants. However, these adaptations may make it more difficult for older adults to overcome loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Huxhold
- German Centre of Gerontology, Manfred-von-Richthofen-Str 2, D-12101, Berlin, Germany.
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5
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Carrasco PM, Crespo DP, García AIR, Ibáñez ML, Rubio BM, Montenegro-Peña M. Predictive factors and risk and protection groups for loneliness in older adults: a population-based study. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:238. [PMID: 38671496 PMCID: PMC11055238 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01708-7] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is considered a public health problem, particularly among older adults. Although risk factors for loneliness have been studied extensively, fewer studies have focused on the protected and risk groups that these factors configure. Our objective is to analyze the variables and latent factors that predict loneliness in older adults and that enable risk and protected groups to be configured. METHODS We employed an epidemiological, cross-sectional survey that was carried out on a random sample of 2060 people over 65 years extracted from the census. A structured telephone interview was used to assess mental and physical health, habits, quality of life, and loneliness, applying the COOP-Wonca, Goldberg General Health (GHQ-12), and Barber Questionnaires. RESULTS Predictors of loneliness were: mental health, living alone, quality of life, depressive symptoms, low educational level, and some deficiency situations such as having no one to turn to for help. The factors extracted (Factorial Analysis) were: a subjective experience of poor health, objective isolation, and psychological isolation. We established at risk and protected groups ("Decision Tree" procedure), and loneliness was referred to by 73.2% of the people living alone and with poor mental health and quality of life (risk group). By contrast, only 0.8% of people living with others, with good mental health and good quality of life felt loneliness (protected group). CONCLUSION In a well-developed city, subjective and objective factors are associated with loneliness. These factors, especially those associated with at risk or protected groups, must be considered to develop strategies that address loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Prada Crespo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Basic Psychology I, Faculty of Psychology, National University of Distance Education of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Mercedes Montenegro-Peña
- Centre for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Madrid Salud, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.
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Schoenmakers EC, Lasgaard M, McHugh Power J. Guidelines for evaluating and reporting social isolation and loneliness interventions. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241238127. [PMID: 38527950 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241238127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the unpleasant nature of social isolation and loneliness (SIL) and their negative effects on health and wellbeing, interventions are needed. However, persistent issues in the design, evaluation, and reporting of SIL interventions preclude conclusive evidence and commentary on the effectiveness of SIL interventions. Here, we propose guidelines for evaluating SIL interventions, firstly by operationalising them into two categories: (1) interventions aiming to reduce SIL as a primary outcome and (2) interventions aiming to improve non-SIL outcomes in the lives of individuals experiencing SIL. Secondly, we evaluate instruments for measuring SIL and research designs for studying intervention effectiveness. Thirdly, guidelines for reporting information about the intervention, study design, results, and discussion in SIL intervention studies are presented. These guidelines will help researchers to better and more consistently report on SIL interventions and improve comparability of SIL interventions, ultimately contributing to the improvement of interventions and to the mitigation of SIL.
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Quach LT, Ritchie CS, Reynolds Z, Paul R, Seeley J, Tong Y, Hoeppner S, Okello S, Nakasujja N, Olivieri-Mui B, Saylor D, Greene M, Asiimwe S, Tindimwebwa E, Atwiine F, Sentongo R, Siedner MJ, Tsai AC. HIV, Social Networks, and Loneliness among Older Adults in Uganda. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:695-704. [PMID: 38281251 PMCID: PMC10947585 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04258-y] [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] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness among older adults has been identified as a major public health problem. Yet little is known about loneliness, or the potential role of social networks in explaining loneliness, among older people with HIV (PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa, where 70% of PWH reside. To explore this issue, we analyzed data from 599 participants enrolled in the Quality of Life and Ageing with HIV in Rural Uganda study, including older adults with HIV in ambulatory care and a comparator group of people without HIV of similar age and gender. The 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale was used to measure loneliness, and HIV status was the primary explanatory variable. The study found no statistically significant correlation between loneliness and HIV status. However, individuals with HIV had smaller households, less physical and financial support, and were less socially integrated compared to those without HIV. In multivariable logistic regressions, loneliness was more likely among individuals who lived alone (aOR:3.38, 95% CI:1.47-7.76) and less likely among those who were married (aOR:0.34, 95% CI:0.22-0.53) and had a higher level of social integration (aOR:0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92). Despite having smaller social networks and less support, older adults with HIV had similar levels of loneliness as those without HIV, which may be attributed to resiliency and access to HIV-related health services among individuals with HIV. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien T Quach
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Centre for Aging and Serious Illness, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- The Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, USA.
| | - Christine S Ritchie
- Centre for Aging and Serious Illness, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zahra Reynolds
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Paul
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri at St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yao Tong
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susanne Hoeppner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samson Okello
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brianne Olivieri-Mui
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deanna Saylor
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meredith Greene
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Regenstreif Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | | | - Flavia Atwiine
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Ruth Sentongo
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Baniah Lafee Alzaben M, Suhail Mousa Shawaqfeh B. The Psychological Symptoms and Their Relationship to the Quality of Life Among Dementia Patients Caregivers. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2024; 39:15333175241248056. [PMID: 38621659 PMCID: PMC11020735 DOI: 10.1177/15333175241248056] [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: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The study aims to identify psychological symptoms (depression and anxiety) and their relationship to the quality of life among dementia patients' caregivers, and whether there are differences in the level of each of them due to the gender variable. The study follows the correlational approach, with a sample of 174 dementia patients' caregivers. To pursue the analysis, the study uses 3 measurement tools: anxiety, depression, and quality of life. The results show that the level of depression, anxiety, and quality of life among dementia patients' caregivers is moderate. It also finds that there is a positive relationship between anxiety and depression, and there is a negative relationship between quality of life and anxiety and depression. There are no differences in the level of depression and anxiety due to gender, as the study finds female caregivers to have a higher level of quality of life.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Hayslip B, Maiden RJ, Greil AL. Social and Emotional Loneliness: Their Relationship to Multiple Domains of Cognition in Later Life. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2023; 97:456-478. [PMID: 36476123 DOI: 10.1177/00914150221143961] [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: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that the literature suggests loneliness to undermine cognitive functioning in later life, no work has simultaneously examined the relationships between these constructs taking a multidimensional approach to the assessment of each. The present study explored relationships among social and emotional loneliness and both general crystallized (Gc) and general fluid (Gf) ability, as well as to several indices of everyday intellectual functioning in later life. Sequential regression analyses suggested that neither social nor emotional loneliness predicted Gc. However, only when eliminating health as a covariate was more social loneliness associated with lower scores for Gf. Surprisingly, more emotional loneliness was associated with higher scores for Gf. More social loneliness also predicted more everyday cognitive failures and with less positive lifestyle attitudes. These findings support a view of loneliness-cognition relationships in later life that reflects the multidimensional nature of each construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Hayslip
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Maiden
- Department of Psychology, Alfred University, Alfred, NY, USA
| | - Arthur L Greil
- Department of Social Sciences, Alfred University, Alfred, NY, USA
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12
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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.
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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
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Ellard OB, Dennison C, Tuomainen H. Review: Interventions addressing loneliness amongst university students: a systematic review. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2023; 28:512-523. [PMID: 36496554 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is detrimental to mental health, with university students at higher risk of feeling lonely than other population groups. However, little research has explored interventions to reduce loneliness among students. This review identifies the characteristics and effectiveness of interventions targeting university/college students. METHODS PsycINFO, Medline, ASSIA and Web of Science were searched from inception using keywords linked to 'loneliness', 'intervention' and 'students'. Relevant peer and nonpeer-reviewed English-language articles on studies implementing an intervention with loneliness as an outcome and investigating undergraduate or postgraduate students at a higher education institution were included for quality analysis and narrative synthesis. Risk of bias was assessed at both study level and at outcome level. RESULTS Twenty-eight articles were included, comprising 25 quantitative and three qualitative studies, covering 37 interventions, most implemented in the United States. Interventions were based on psychoeducation, social support groups, increasing social interaction or reflective exercises. The age of the participants (n = 2339) ranged from 17.62 to 25 (mean age 20.63) years. Evidence from the RCTs suggests that most interventions influenced loneliness outcomes, but the magnitude of the benefit is unclear. Across quantitative studies, 80% (16/20) of interventions based on either social support groups, increasing social interaction or reflective exercises, and 50% (7/14) of interventions based on psychoeducation were deemed effective in reducing loneliness. Most interventions measured quantitatively were delivered in a group setting, of which two thirds were considered effective in reducing loneliness scores, regardless of intervention. CONCLUSIONS Universities have a choice of interventions to help reduce loneliness among students either on campus or virtually. Ones promoting social connectedness appear to be more successful. More high-quality studies in a larger number of countries are needed, taking vulnerable student groups into consideration.
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Zhang D, Lu Q, Li L, Wang X, Yan H, Sun Z. Loneliness in nursing homes: A qualitative meta-synthesis of older people's experiences. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:7062-7075. [PMID: 37605069 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16842] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older people in the nursing home environment are much less mobile and capable of taking care of themselves as they age, and most of them face the plight of loneliness, which seriously affects the quality of life of older people in their later years. AIMS A systematic review and synthesis of older people's experiences of loneliness in nursing homes. DESIGN Following ENTREQ, do a systematic evaluation and synthesis of qualitative investigations. METHODS A search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, the Chinese biomedical literature service system, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang Database and the Wipu Database for qualitative studies of older people's experiences of loneliness in nursing homes was conducted with a search time frame of March 2023. Evaluation of the quality of the literature using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Australian Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care Quality Assessment Criteria for Qualitative Research, And the data were synthesised using Thomas and Harden's method of thematic and content analysis. RESULTS A total of 13 papers were included, and 36 research findings were distilled and integrated into three themes: causes of loneliness; feelings of loneliness; coping with loneliness; and seven sub-themes: aging and loss; environmental transformation; loneliness is a pain; loneliness is a choice; participation; strengthening social ties; and diverting attention. CONCLUSIONS Older people in nursing homes face varying degrees of loneliness, which is a subjective feeling influenced by the interplay between personal awareness and the external environment, so future care interventions should be developed in a comprehensive manner, taking into account the characteristics of the older people themselves and their external environment. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This study is a meta-synthesis and does not require relevant contributions from patients or the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deping Zhang
- Day Surgery Room, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qizhen Lu
- Operating room, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Li
- Central sterile Supply department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Mammography, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Hongqi Yan
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theatre command, Shenyang, China
| | - Zijian Sun
- Haemodialysis Unit, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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15
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Zhong BL, Yuan MD, Li F, Sun P. The Psychological Network of Loneliness Symptoms Among Chinese Residents During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:3767-3776. [PMID: 37705850 PMCID: PMC10497046 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s424565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Social distancing measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to increased levels of loneliness, but the specific interactions between loneliness symptoms in the context of the pandemic remain unknown. This study characterized the psychological network of loneliness symptoms in residents during the initial wave of COVID-19 outbreak in China. Patients and Methods The study recruited 8472 Chinese residents (61.5% women, aged 33.0±10.6 years) through online snowball sampling. The Six-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) was used to measure loneliness symptoms. Central symptoms of and bridge symptoms between emotional and social loneliness subscales were identified based on centrality and bridge centrality indices, respectively. Network stability was examined using the case-dropping procedures. Results The nodes in the loneliness network were separated into two groups, corresponding to the social and emotional loneliness domains of the DJGLS. The strongest direction association was between "no reliable people" and "no trustworthy people" (edge weight=0.546). "No trustworthy people" has the highest node strength (1.047) in the loneliness network, followed by "emptiness sense" (0.767) and "no reliable people" (0.749). "Feeling of rejection" (1.672) and "no close people" (0.403) showed the first and second highest bridge strengths, respectively. Both the stability and accuracy tests supported robustness of the whole network. Conclusion Interventions targeting central symptoms "no trustworthy people" and "emptiness sense" and central bridge symptom "feeling of rejection" may be effective for alleviating the overall level of loneliness in pandemic-affected Chinese residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Liang Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng-Di Yuan
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Huangpu District Mental Health Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, Huangpu District Mental Health Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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16
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Yu K, Liang J, Tung YH, Zhang M, Wu S, Chi I. Social network and mental health of Chinese immigrants in affordable senior housing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:1956-1964. [PMID: 37212623 PMCID: PMC10529124 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2213646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chinese immigrant older adults who live in affordable housing are at high risk of experiencing social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can affect their mental health. Using a triangulation mixed-methods approach, this study describes Chinese immigrant older adults' social network, mental health status, and their associations during the pandemic. METHODS Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 Chinese immigrant older adults from June to August 2021. The structure and characteristics of participants' social networks were assessed with a name-generating approach. Mental health status was self-reported with Geriatric Depression Scale and UCLA loneliness scale. RESULTS This sample (mean age = 78.12, 69.23% female), on average, had 5.08 social ties in their network, and 58% were family ties. Participants reported decreased social contact, family and friends interaction patterns specific to immigrants, and constantly being in a low mood and bored. Having closer relationships with others and maintaining the same or higher contact frequency after COVID-19 onset was associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Resilience from religious beliefs, neighbors as role models, and wisdom learned from past experiences were reported. CONCLUSION Knowledge built in this study can inform respondence to future crises like the COVID-19 pandemic in affordable housing settings serving older immigrant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Yu
- NIA-Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center, and Oregon Center for Aging & Technology, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiaming Liang
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yi-Hsuan Tung
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mutian Zhang
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shinyi Wu
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Viterbi School of Engineering, Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Iris Chi
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Delaruelle K. Migration-related inequalities in loneliness across age groups: a cross-national comparative study in Europe. Eur J Ageing 2023; 20:35. [PMID: 37612470 PMCID: PMC10447780 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-023-00782-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to contribute to the growing interest in the consequences of migration for loneliness by investigating the role of generational status across various age groups in countries with differing integration policies and attitudes towards immigrants. Using data from rounds 5, 6 and 7 of the European Social Survey, I conducted logistic multilevel models on a sample of 121,835 respondents aged 18 years and older, residing in 26 countries. Loneliness was assessed based on a single-item item question from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression scale. The findings suggest that individuals with a migration background are more likely to experience loneliness than those without. Within this group, I found that first-generation immigrants who arrived after the age of 18 are more vulnerable to loneliness than those who arrived earlier, although the latter still reported more loneliness than second-generation immigrants. Furthermore, migration-related inequalities in loneliness were greater among the youngest age group (18-34 years) and in countries with a more positive public stance towards immigrants. In sum, this study highlights the persistent challenges that migration poses for loneliness across generations and age groups, and emphasizes the need to extend research in this area beyond older adults. Moreover, it suggests that promoting a welcoming culture towards immigrants may have unintended consequences for loneliness gaps, but further research is needed to explain this observation.
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18
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Sarhaddi F, Azimi I, Niela-Vilen H, Axelin A, Liljeberg P, Rahmani AM. Maternal Social Loneliness Detection Using Passive Sensing Through Continuous Monitoring in Everyday Settings: Longitudinal Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e47950. [PMID: 37556183 PMCID: PMC10448281 DOI: 10.2196/47950] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal loneliness is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes for both the mother and her child. Detecting maternal loneliness noninvasively through wearable devices and passive sensing provides opportunities to prevent or reduce the impact of loneliness on the health and well-being of the mother and her child. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to use objective health data collected passively by a wearable device to predict maternal (social) loneliness during pregnancy and the postpartum period and identify the important objective physiological parameters in loneliness detection. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study using smartwatches to continuously collect physiological data from 31 women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The participants completed the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness questionnaire in gestational week 36 and again at 12 weeks post partum. Responses to this questionnaire and background information of the participants were collected through our customized cross-platform mobile app. We leveraged participants' smartwatch data from the 7 days before and the day of their completion of the UCLA questionnaire for loneliness prediction. We categorized the loneliness scores from the UCLA questionnaire as loneliness (scores≥12) and nonloneliness (scores<12). We developed decision tree and gradient-boosting models to predict loneliness. We evaluated the models by using leave-one-participant-out cross-validation. Moreover, we discussed the importance of extracted health parameters in our models for loneliness prediction. RESULTS The gradient boosting and decision tree models predicted maternal social loneliness with weighted F1-scores of 0.897 and 0.872, respectively. Our results also show that loneliness is highly associated with activity intensity and activity distribution during the day. In addition, resting heart rate (HR) and resting HR variability (HRV) were correlated with loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Our results show the potential benefit and feasibility of using passive sensing with a smartwatch to predict maternal loneliness. Our developed machine learning models achieved a high F1-score for loneliness prediction. We also show that intensity of activity, activity pattern, and resting HR and HRV are good predictors of loneliness. These results indicate the intervention opportunities made available by wearable devices and predictive models to improve maternal well-being through early detection of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iman Azimi
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Future Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | | | - Anna Axelin
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pasi Liljeberg
- Department of Computing, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Amir M Rahmani
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Future Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
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Kruger JM, De Klerk JJ. A pathway to greater meaning in life and well-being for senior executives beset by anti-meaning. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1187913. [PMID: 37533714 PMCID: PMC10390789 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1187913] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although work is a significant source of meaning for most people, the role of senior executive generates different meaning and well-being complexities than those experienced or faced by general employees. This study explored how meaning and anti-meaning components affect senior executives' experiences of meaning in life and well-being. The findings enabled devising a pathway to enhance senior executives' net experiences of meaning in life and well-being. Methods A cross-sectional, semi-structured interview study design was used to gather rich qualitative data. Eight participants from southern and eastern Africa, who had held the position of chief executive officer or managing director for at least five years, were interviewed. Results The findings demonstrated that senior executives' work roles provide a significant source of meaning. However, the roles are accompanied by unavoidable anti-meanings, which are likely to generate additional anti-meanings if not tempered sufficiently, thus reducing the net meaning experienced. Discussion From the findings, a practical pathway was devised to assist top executives to deal with the bipolar relationship between meaning and anti-meaning. Consulting and counseling practitioners can utilize the pathway to guide, support, and counsel senior executives towards improved meaning, temper anti-meaning and improve well-being.
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Simegn W, Sisay G, Seid AM, Dagne H. Loneliness and its associated factors among university students during late stage of COVID-19 pandemic: An online cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287365. [PMID: 37410760 PMCID: PMC10325105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a number of psychosocial and emotional catastrophes, including loneliness. The associated lockdowns, reduced social support, and insufficiently perceived interactions are expected to heighten the level of loneliness during the pandemic. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the level of loneliness and what correlates with loneliness among university students in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVES The general objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of loneliness among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken. An online data collection tool was distributed to voluntary undergraduate university students. The sampling technique used was snowball sampling. Students were requested to pass the online data collection tool to at least one of their friends to ease data collection. SPSS version 26.0 was used for data analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report the results. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with loneliness. A P-value less than 0.2 was used to screen variables for the multivariable analysis, and a P-value less than 0.05 was used to declare significance in the final multivariable logistic regression. RESULT A total of 426 study participants responded. Out of the total, 62.9% were males, and 37.1% attended fields related to health. Over three-fourths (76.5%) of the study participants encountered loneliness. Females (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.75; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 3.04), non-health-related departments (AOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.35), ever encountering sexual harassment (AOR: 3.32; 95% CI: 1.46, 7.53), sleeping problems (AOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.06, 4.30), perceived stress (AOR: 6.40; 95% CI: 1.85, 22.19) and poor social support (AOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.10, 8.87) were significantly associated with loneliness. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION A significant proportion of students were victims of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female, working in non-health-related fields, having sleeping problems, encountering sexual harassment, perceived stress, and poor social support were significantly associated with loneliness. Interventions to reduce loneliness should focus on related psychosocial support to reduce stress, sleeping disturbances, and poor social support. A special focus should also be given to female students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wudneh Simegn
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gashaw Sisay
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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21
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Fang C, Comery A, Carr S. "They want you to know who they really are inside of the old visage"-biographical storytelling as a methodological tool to explore emotional challenges in old age. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:386. [PMID: 37353745 PMCID: PMC10290368 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04094-8] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing older is often associated with resilience, contentedness and inner growth. Older people however are also at risk of confronting unique emotional challenges as a result of varied ageing-related experiences. By employing a biographical lens, we aim to introduce storytelling as a methodological tool to more holistically explore older people's emotional challenges and to improve their wellbeing. METHODS Building upon theoretical understandings about the narrative construction of identity across the life span, we draw upon a qualitative study about older people's loneliness as an example to showcase the methodological value and feasibility of biographical storytelling. We aim to better understand the nuanced and sometimes painful emotional experiences that can be encountered alongside ageing. RESULTS Findings from the qualitative study we showcase, highlight that unique emotional pains and the (in)ability to deal with such in old age could be deeply rooted in older people's earlier lives. These findings contextualise people's emotional challenges and needs within their identity, as a narrative thread that links their past, present and expected future. As such, our example study shows that emotional challenges in old age are not only ageing-related, but can be more fundamentally connected to disruptions to the ongoing flow of narrative identity construction. CONCLUSION The highly retrospective and reflexive nature of these findings illustrates the methodological merit of biographical storytelling. We argue that the impact of biographical storytelling can go further than both conventional semi-structured narrative interviews and existing interventional tools. Instead, it is a particularly useful research methodology to explore human experiences and needs in the unique context of ageing. This methodological development thus provides an insightful analytical lens to explore how older people's earlier life experiences may be carried forward and confronted to shape their emotional stability in the present and future stages of their ageing lives. Beyond the methodological significance, we further demonstrate the benefits of empowering older people to reconstruct their ageing lives in the context of their biography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Fang
- Department of Social and Policy Science and Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, 3 East, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Alastair Comery
- Department of Social and Policy Science and Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, 3 East, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Sam Carr
- Department of Education and Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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22
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Constructing loneliness: Home care providers' notions of older adults' social needs and the possibilities of the home care profession to support social participation. J Aging Stud 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2023.101130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
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23
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Daniel F, Espírito-Santo H, Lemos L, Guadalupe S, Barroso I, Gomes da Silva A, Ferreira PL. Measuring loneliness: Psychometric properties of the three-item loneliness scale among community-dwelling adults. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15948. [PMID: 37215896 PMCID: PMC10192737 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness is a prevalent set of negative feelings associated with unsatisfactory and reduced social interactions, inadequate social support, poor satisfaction with life and health, negative emotions, and economic burden. Thus, its measurement is of foremost importance. Therefore, this study aimed (i) to devise the Portuguese version of the three-Item Loneliness Scale (T-ILS), which is ideal for epidemiological studies, and (ii) to evaluate its psychometric properties. Three hundred forty-five community-dwelling Portuguese adults with a mean age of 54.6 ± 19.5 years, 61.7% women, recruited door-to-door, were assessed with the Portuguese versions of T-ILS, Satisfaction With Life Scale-SWLS, Lubben Social Network Scale 6-items-LSNS-6, a question regarding Happiness/Unhappiness, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The T-ILS showed good psychometric properties and correlated moderately with SWLS and LSNS-6, and happiness, and weakly with the number of people in the household. The Portuguese version of the T-ILS proved to be a valid and reliable instrument, easy and quick to administer. It proved to be a valuable tool in screening loneliness in Portugal, being potentially useful to the identification of lonelier people in need of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Daniel
- Miguel Torga Institute of Higher Education, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Health Studies and Research of the University of Coimbra (CEISUC), Portugal
| | - Helena Espírito-Santo
- Miguel Torga Institute of Higher Education, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Laura Lemos
- Miguel Torga Institute of Higher Education, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sónia Guadalupe
- Miguel Torga Institute of Higher Education, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Health Studies and Research of the University of Coimbra (CEISUC), Portugal
| | - Isabel Barroso
- Miguel Torga Institute of Higher Education, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Gomes da Silva
- Centre for Health Studies and Research of the University of Coimbra (CEISUC), Portugal
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra (IPC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Lopes Ferreira
- Centre for Health Studies and Research of the University of Coimbra (CEISUC), Portugal
- Faculty of Economics (FEUC), University of Coimbra, Portugal
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Adlington K, Vasquez C, Pearce E, Wilson CA, Nowland R, Taylor BL, Spring S, Johnson S. 'Just snap out of it' - the experience of loneliness in women with perinatal depression: a Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:110. [PMID: 36849948 PMCID: PMC9970854 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04532-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby is a time of great transition and upheaval. Women often experience social isolation and loneliness at this time and may develop depression, particularly in the postnatal period. Qualitative studies have reported that loneliness is also a feature of perinatal depression. However, until now there has been no attempt to synthesise research exploring the links between loneliness and perinatal depression. This study's aim was to explore existing qualitative evidence to answer two research questions: What are the experiences of loneliness for women with perinatal depression? What helps and what makes loneliness worse for women with perinatal depression? METHODS A qualitative meta-synthesis retrieved primary qualitative studies relevant to the research questions. Four electronic databases were systematically searched (Ovid MEDLINE®; PsycINFO; Embase; Web of Science). Papers were screened according to pre-defined inclusion criteria and assigned a quality score. Thematic analysis was used to identify major overarching themes in the literature. RESULTS Twenty-seven relevant qualitative studies were included. Themes relating to the interaction between perinatal depression and loneliness included self-isolation and hiding symptoms due to stigma of perinatal depression and fear of judgement as a 'bad mother'; a sudden sense of emotional disconnection after birth; and a mismatch between expected and actual support provided by partner, family and community. There was also a double burden of loneliness for women from disadvantaged communities, due to increased stigma and decreased social support. Validation and understanding from healthcare professionals, peer support from other mothers with experience of perinatal depression, and practical and emotional family support were all important factors that could ameliorate loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness appears to play a central role in the experience of perinatal depression based on the frequency with which it emerged in women's accounts. The findings provide a foundation for the development of further theories about the role of loneliness in perinatal depression and evidence in which future psychological and social intervention design processes can be rooted. Addressing stigma and offering culturally appropriate professional and peer support are potential targets for interventions that could help women with perinatal depression, particularly in disadvantaged communities, feel less lonely. TRIAL REGISTRATION Prospero registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php? RecordID = 251,936.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Adlington
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK. .,Section of Women's Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK. .,East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | | | - Eiluned Pearce
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claire A Wilson
- Section of Women's Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Nowland
- School of Health and Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | | | | | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.,Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Tatala M, Wojtasiński M, Janowski K. Loneliness and time abroad in Polish migrants in the UK: Protective role of religious experience. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279984. [PMID: 36791124 PMCID: PMC9931139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between time spent abroad, level of religious experience, and loneliness in Polish migrants in the UK. Factors differentiating the level of loneliness were migration time (up to one year, from one to five years, and over five years) and religious experience, which was postulated to have a protective function against the level of loneliness experienced. The R-UCLA test was used to verify the level of loneliness, and religious experience was measured with the Religious Experience Scale in participants (N = 200) who were Polish migrants. The results showed that the relationship between time abroad and loneliness is not linear-the highest levels of loneliness were experienced in those who had been living in the UK between one and five years, which is consistent with the observations of Homoncik et al. (2017). Furthermore, the level of religious experience was significantly related to loneliness in that those with high levels of religious experience displayed lower levels of loneliness than those with low levels of religious experience. These results may suggest the need for interventions to raise awareness of potential risks among people with high levels of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Tatala
- Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Marcin Wojtasiński
- Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Konrad Janowski
- School of Human Sciences, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Abe M, Arima H, Satoh A, Okuda N, Taniguchi H, Nishi N, Higashiyama A, Suzuki H, Kadota A, Ohkubo T, Ueshima H, Miura K, Okayama A. Marital status, household size, and lifestyle changes during the first COVID-19 pandemic: NIPPON DATA2010. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283430. [PMID: 36972241 PMCID: PMC10042380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Stay-at-home strategies taken during the COVID-19 pandemic changed our lifestyle drastically. Although marital status and household size are important social determinants of health that affect lifestyle, their impacts on lifestyle during the pandemic are still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between marital status, household size, and lifestyle changes during the first pandemic in Japan. Questionnaire surveys on lifestyle changes from before to during the first COVID-19 pandemic were conducted on October 2020 in Japan. Classified into age groups, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the combined association of marital status and household size on lifestyle, adjusted for potential confounders including socioeconomic factors. In our prospective cohort study, 1928 participants were included. Among older participants, the singles living alone were likely to perceive more unhealthy lifestyle changes (45.8%), compared with the married (33.2%), and significantly associated with at least one unhealthy change [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1,18-2.78], mainly due to decreased physical activity and increased alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, the younger participants showed no significant association between marital status, household size, and unhealthy changes, while those living alone had 2.87 times higher odds of weight gain (≥ 3 kg) than the married (adjusted OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 0.96-8.54) during the pandemic. Our findings suggest that older singles living alone are potentially vulnerable subgroups to drastic social changes which warrant special attention to prevent adverse health outcomes and additional burden on health systems in the following future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Abe
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hisatomi Arima
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Atsushi Satoh
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nagako Okuda
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Taniguchi
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobuo Nishi
- International Center for Nutrition and Information, National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Higashiyama
- Department of Hygiene, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Harumitsu Suzuki
- Department of Hygiene, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Aya Kadota
- NCD Epidemiology Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Ohkubo
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Ueshima
- NCD Epidemiology Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Miura
- NCD Epidemiology Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akira Okayama
- Research Institute of Strategy for Prevention, Tokyo, Japan
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A Systematic Literature Review of Loneliness in Community Dwelling Older Adults. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci12010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on loneliness is extensive. This paper presents a systematic review of intervention studies, outlining the antecedents to, and consequences of loneliness in community-dwelling older people. Using PRISMA methodology, a systematic literature review was conducted between January and August 2021 resulting in 49 useable articles. Papers were included if they: (a) investigated older people (+50); (b) were living in community dwellings; (c) had been published in English; (d) had titles or abstracts available and, (e) were published between 2016 and 2021. This study found the antecedents and consequences of social, emotional and existential loneliness differ, however, the vast majority of research has not examined the unique types of loneliness and instead kept loneliness as a generic term, despite the acceptance that various types of loneliness exist. In addition, the findings of intervention studies identified through this review have yielded mixed results. Those interventions focused on improving personal and psycho-social resources for older people fared better outcomes than those focused on technological and social connections alone. This paper reports important implications for the future of research conducted on loneliness and interventions accordingly.
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Prabhu D, Kholghi M, Sandhu M, Lu W, Packer K, Higgins L, Silvera-Tawil D. Sensor-Based Assessment of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: A Survey. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9944. [PMID: 36560312 PMCID: PMC9781772 DOI: 10.3390/s22249944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation (SI) and loneliness are 'invisible enemies'. They affect older people's health and quality of life and have significant impact on aged care resources. While in-person screening tools for SI and loneliness exist, staff shortages and psycho-social challenges fed by stereotypes are significant barriers to their implementation in routine care. Autonomous sensor-based approaches can be used to overcome these challenges by enabling unobtrusive and privacy-preserving assessments of SI and loneliness. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of sensor-based tools to assess social isolation and loneliness through a structured critical review of the relevant literature. The aim of this survey is to identify, categorise, and synthesise studies in which sensing technologies have been used to measure activity and behavioural markers of SI and loneliness in older adults. This survey identified a number of feasibility studies using ambient sensors for measuring SI and loneliness activity markers. Time spent out of home and time spent in different parts of the home were found to show strong associations with SI and loneliness scores derived from standard instruments. This survey found a lack of long-term, in-depth studies in this area with older populations. Specifically, research gaps on the use of wearable and smart phone sensors in this population were identified, including the need for co-design that is important for effective adoption and practical implementation of sensor-based SI and loneliness assessment in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Prabhu
- Correspondence: (D.P.); (M.K.); Tel.: +61-4-1599-0836 (D.P.); +61-7-3253-3689 (M.K.)
| | - Mahnoosh Kholghi
- Correspondence: (D.P.); (M.K.); Tel.: +61-4-1599-0836 (D.P.); +61-7-3253-3689 (M.K.)
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29
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Komatsu H, Niimura H, Yagasaki K. Process of inner change in advanced age: a qualitative study of older adults in their early 90 s. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:945. [PMID: 36482303 PMCID: PMC9733006 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03665-5] [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: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of nonagenarians is growing globally. The promotion of mental wellbeing is increasingly important. The aim of this study was to explore mental wellbeing and psychological experiences of older adults in their early 90 s who were living at home. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 20 older adults in their early 90 s. A thematic analysis, according to Braun and Clarke, was used to analyze data. RESULTS An inner process of older adults in their early 90 s was revealed; its three themes were the "reality of aging," "seeking emptiness of the mind," and "still moving on." Older adults in this study experienced functional decline, regret, and loneliness. They were tired of life and nearly gave up. Emptying their minds helped them reset their attitudes and find a way to move on. After realizing that negative thinking did not help anything, they focused on what they could do and their daily routines. Perceived social usefulness validated participants' self-worth. However, a few were consistently active without negative perceptions of aging. CONCLUSION Understanding the psychological process and mental wellbeing in later life aids in the development of practical healthcare policies to assist the growing oldest-old population in cope with age-related challenges and improve their mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Komatsu
- grid.444320.50000 0004 0371 2046Japanese Red Cross Kyushu International College of Nursing, 1-1 Asty Munakata-City, Fukuoka-Prefecture, 811-4157 Japan
| | - Hidehito Niimura
- grid.443251.50000 0001 0157 5998Faculty of Human Science, Toyo Eiwa University, 32 Miho-cho, Midori-Ku, Yokohama, 226-0015 Japan ,grid.26091.3c0000 0004 1936 9959Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582 Japan
| | - Kaori Yagasaki
- grid.26091.3c0000 0004 1936 9959Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582 Japan
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30
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Maes M, Qualter P, Lodder GMA, Mund M. How (Not) to Measure Loneliness: A Review of the Eight Most Commonly Used Scales. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710816. [PMID: 36078540 PMCID: PMC9518421 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness affects well-being and has long-term negative impacts on physical and mental health, educational outcomes, and employability. Because of those current and long-term impacts, loneliness is a significant issue for which we need reliable and appropriate measurement scales. In the current paper, psychometric properties of the eight most commonly used loneliness scales are reviewed both descriptively and meta-analytically. Results suggest that for many of the scales, the psychometric properties are promising. However, for some psychometric features, especially test-retest reliability and measurement invariance, evidence is rather scarce. Most striking, however, is the fact that all of the scales included items that do not measure loneliness. Surprisingly, for many (sub)scales, this was even the case for about half of the items. Because our measures are the foundation of our research work, it is crucial to improve the way loneliness is being measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Maes
- Interdisciplinary Social Science: Youth Studies, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Gerine M. A. Lodder
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Marcus Mund
- Personality Psychology and Psychological Assessment, Klagenfurt University, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
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Lu N, Zhang J. A multiple-group analysis of social Capital and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults in urban China during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aging Ment Health 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36038525 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2116394] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the moderating effects of family social capital on the relationship between community social capital and loneliness among older adults in urban Chinese communities during the COVID-19 outbreak period between January and March 2020.Method: We used quota sampling to recruit 472 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older. A multiple-group analysis was applied to examine the proposed hypotheses.Results: Community-based cognitive social capital was significantly associated with both social and emotional loneliness among older adults with relatively low levels of family social capital. However, these associations were statistically nonsignificant among those with high family social capital levels. Community-based structural social capital was not associated with loneliness in either family social capital group.Conclusion: The findings highlight the role of cognitive social capital in reducing loneliness and support community social capital replacement theory in explaining the mechanism linking social capital to loneliness in later life in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lu
- Department of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyue Zhang
- Department of Sociology, School of Philosophy and Sociology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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32
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Neves BB, Colón Cabrera D, Sanders A, Warren N. Pandemic Diaries: Lived Experiences of Loneliness, Loss, and Hope Among Older Adults During COVID-19. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 63:120-130. [PMID: 35868621 PMCID: PMC9384492 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES While research on loneliness in later life has increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we still lack diverse qualitative approaches capturing lived experiences of lonely older adults. Approaches to research with older adults instead of on them are also scant in gerontological literature on loneliness. Through solicited diaries, this study aimed to explore how older Australians who were already lonely before the pandemic managed lockdowns (stay-at-home orders) in Victoria, Australia, which lived through one of the longest lockdowns in the world. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This article is based on qualitative diaries completed by 32 older adults (aged 65 and older). Diaries provide a 'live' document where participants become active research partners, recording and sharing their perceptions and experiences. This method is useful to capture sensitive issues, but to the best of our knowledge has not been employed in loneliness studies. Data were thematically analyzed through the identification of themes within and across diaries. RESULTS Loneliness was defined by participants as a detrimental absence of companionship and meaningful social interactions. For most, lockdowns exacerbated loneliness, presented new triggers, and upended coping strategies. The disruption of the 'emotion work' involved with managing loneliness led to a reconfiguration of response strategies, including through digital technology, which brought both challenges (e.g., digital ageism) and opportunities (e.g., novel communication forms). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Understanding how older people living alone define and respond to loneliness in diverse contexts-for example, before and during a pandemic that restricts social interaction-provides critical insights to inform interventions to tackle loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Barbosa Neves
- Address correspondence to: Barbara Barbosa Neves, PhD, FRSA, School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Menzies Building, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia. E-mail:
| | | | - Alexandra Sanders
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Narelle Warren
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Nicolaisen M, Pripp AH, Thorsen K. Why Not Lonely? A Longitudinal Study of Factors Related to Loneliness and Non-Loneliness in Different Age Groups Among People in the Second Part of Life. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2022:914150221112292. [PMID: 35861808 DOI: 10.1177/00914150221112292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Age-related changes and losses may lead to loneliness. However, some people do not become lonelier, even after negative life events. This study examines the development of loneliness based on Norwegian panel data (N = 2,315), age 40-80 years at baseline, and the impacts of partnership and health measured in 2002, 2007, and 2017. We ask: How does loneliness develop over time, and who resists becoming lonely? In the total group, loneliness decreased from 2002 to 2007 and then leveled off. In the eldest age group, 70-80 years at baseline, loneliness increased but only in the last period, from 2007 to 2017. In all age groups and at all three times, those who were not lonely more often had a partner and were more often in good health compared to those who were lonely. Period effects, cohort, and age-related changes influencing the development in loneliness over time are discussed.
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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
| | - Are Hugo Pripp
- Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, 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
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34
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Lonely and sad and/or sad and lonely? Int Psychogeriatr 2022; 34:613-616. [PMID: 35331344 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610222000308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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35
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Yang C, Lai DWL, Sun Y, Ma CY, Chau AKC. Mobile Application Use and Loneliness among Older Adults in the Digital Age: Insights from a Survey in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137656. [PMID: 35805316 PMCID: PMC9265966 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Existing literature on the associations between use of mobile applications (i.e., mobile apps) and loneliness among older adults (OAs) has been mainly conducted before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since mobile apps have been increasingly used by OAs during the pandemic, subsequent effects on social and emotional loneliness need updated investigation. This paper examines the relationship between mobile app use and loneliness among Hong Kong’s OAs during the pandemic. In our research, 364 OAs with current use experience of mobile apps were interviewed through a questionnaire survey conducted during July and August 2021, which assessed the use frequency and duration of 14 mobile app types and levels of emotional and social loneliness. The survey illustrated communication (e.g., WhatsApp) and information apps were the most commonly used. Emotional loneliness was associated with the use of video entertainment (frequency and duration), instant communication (duration), and information apps (duration). Association between video entertainment apps’ use and emotional loneliness was stronger among older and less educated OAs. Our findings highlight the distinctive relationships between different types of apps and loneliness among Hong Kong’s OAs during the pandemic, which warrant further exploration via research into post-pandemic patterns and comparative studies in other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yang
- Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong;
| | - Daniel W. L. Lai
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong;
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong;
- Research Institute for Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Yin Ma
- Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong;
- Correspondence:
| | - Anson Kai Chun Chau
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong;
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36
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Leary R, Asbury K. Alone in the COVID-19 lockdown: An exploratory study. ANALYSES OF SOCIAL ISSUES AND PUBLIC POLICY : ASAP 2022; 22:ASAP12317. [PMID: 35942363 PMCID: PMC9349526 DOI: 10.1111/asap.12317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Feelings of isolation have been prevalent worldwide since March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. This has prompted increased concerns about loneliness and related mental health problems. During the first UK COVID-19 lockdown, 71 participants were asked to share their high and low point stories from lockdown. These were analyzed using thematic analysis to explore how "aloneness" was experienced at this time. A deductive analyses supported three key facets of aloneness reported in the literature: emotional loneliness, social loneliness, and existential loneliness, as well as a more positive form of aloneness, solitude. An inductive analysis identified risk and protective factors for loneliness, comprising worry, lockdown changes, and poor mental health; and social contact, emotional contact, stability and simple life. The study highlights the importance of understanding how facets of aloneness interrelate, and how understanding risk and protective factors can help us to develop social and policy interventions to alleviate loneliness. In particular, solitude is proposed as a potential mechanism for alleviating loneliness, particularly existential loneliness, alongside more common social methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Leary
- Department of EducationUniversity of York, Heslington, YorkUK
| | - Kathryn Asbury
- Department of EducationUniversity of York, Heslington, YorkUK
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37
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Varela JJ, Hernández C, Miranda R, Barlett CP, Rodríguez-Rivas ME. Victims of Cyberbullying: Feeling Loneliness and Depression among Youth and Adult Chileans during the Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5886. [PMID: 35627423 PMCID: PMC9141340 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In Chile, during the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of cyberbullying victimization increased for adolescents and younger adults. Research has shown that cyber-victims-adolescents and young adults alike-are at greater risk for mental health problems such as depression as a result of this negative type of aggression. Yet, a paucity of research has examined the individual mechanisms germane to cyber-victim depression. We focused on loneliness for the current study. We hypothesized that cyber-victimization would be positively related to depressive symptoms through increased fears of loneliness and that this effect would differ between adolescents and younger adults. Thus, we examined a sample of 2370 participants from all main regions of Chile aged from 15 to 29 years. Moderated mediation results showed a negative effect of cyberbullying on depression, which was mediated by increased fears of being alone. The effect of frequency of cyberbullying on fear of loneliness was stronger for younger adults compared to adolescents. Our results suggest different mechanisms for both age groups, which can inform prevention programs and their specific activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge J. Varela
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile;
| | - Cristóbal Hernández
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago 7941169, Chile;
- Instituto Milenio para la Investigación en Depresión y Personalidad, MIDAP, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Rafael Miranda
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Continental del Perú, Lima 12001, Peru;
| | - Christopher P. Barlett
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, NY 66506-5302, USA;
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Torres JL, Braga LDS, Moreira BDS, Sabino Castro CM, Vaz CT, Andrade ACDS, Bof Andrade F, Lima-Costa MF, Caiaffa WT. Loneliness and social disconnectedness in the time of pandemic period among Brazilians: evidence from the ELSI COVID-19 initiative. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:898-904. [PMID: 33970704 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1913479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed at estimating the pre-pandemic and pandemic prevalence of loneliness and investigating the association of loneliness with social disconnectedness during social distancing strategies in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic period.Methods: We used data from the ELSI COVID-19 initiative with participants from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), which comprised 4,431 participants aged 50 years and over. Loneliness (hardly ever/some of the time/often) was assessed by the question "In the past 30 days, how often did you feel alone/lonely?". Social disconnectedness included information on social contacts through virtual talking (i.e. telephone, Skype, WhatsApp, or social media) and outside-home meetings with people living in another household. Covariates included sociodemographic and health related characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: The overall prevalence of loneliness during the pandemic was 23.9% (95% CI 20.7-27.5); lower than in the pre-pandemic period (32.8%; 95% CI 28.6-37.4). In the pandemic period, 20.1% (95% CI 16.9-23.6) reported some of the time feeling lonely and 3.9% (95% CI 3.1-4.8) reported often feeling lonely. In the fully adjusted model, virtual talking disconnectedness (OR=1.67; 95% CI 1.09-2.56) was positively associated with some of the time feeling lonely and outside-home disconnectedness (OR=0.33; 95% CI 0.18-0.60) was negatively associated with often feeling lonely.Conclusion: Individuals with virtual talking disconnectedness and without outside-home disconnectedness are at higher risk of loneliness during the time of COVID-19 pandemic. Stimulating virtual talking connectedness might have the potential to diminish loneliness despite steep outside-home disconnectedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Lustosa Torres
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Observatory for Urban Health in Belo Horizonte, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciana de Souza Braga
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno de Souza Moreira
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Observatory for Urban Health in Belo Horizonte, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila Menezes Sabino Castro
- Post-Doctoral Student at the Public Health and Aging Studies Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila Teixeira Vaz
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Fabíola Bof Andrade
- Rene Rachou Research Center, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Waleska Teixeira Caiaffa
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Observatory for Urban Health in Belo Horizonte, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Vlachantoni A, Evandrou M, Falkingham J, Qin M. The impact of changing social support on older persons' onset of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 62:1147-1159. [PMID: 35235949 PMCID: PMC8903469 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Social distancing measures aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19 are likely to have increased social isolation amongst those over 70 instructed to shield at home. This study examines the incidence of loneliness by gender over the first ten months of the COVID-19 pandemic among persons aged 70 and above in the UK, and the impact of changing social networks and perceived social support on the new occurrence of loneliness. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants (N=1,235) aged 70 and over with no reports of loneliness before the pandemic who participated in seven rounds of the Understanding Society: COVID-19 Study (April 2020-January 2021) and the main Understanding Society study conducted during 2019. Cox regression analysed the time to a new occurrence of loneliness. RESULTS Among older people who hardly ever/never felt lonely before the pandemic, 33.7% reported some degree of loneliness between April 2020-January 2021. Living in a single-person household, having received more social support before the pandemic, changes in support receipt during the pandemic and a deteriorating relationship with one's partner during the pandemic increased the risk of experiencing loneliness. Older women were more likely than older men to report loneliness, even when living with a partner. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS During the three COVID-related lockdowns in the UK, changes in older people's social networks and support resulted in a significant onset of loneliness. Findings highlight the risks of shielding older persons from COVID-19 in terms of their mental well-being and the importance of strengthening intergenerational support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Vlachantoni
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,ESRC Centre for Population Change, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Maria Evandrou
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,ESRC Centre for Population Change, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane Falkingham
- ESRC Centre for Population Change, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Min Qin
- ESRC Centre for Population Change, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Saricali M, Guler D. The mediating role of psychological need frustration on the relationship between frustration intolerance and existential loneliness. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 41:5603-5611. [PMID: 35221632 PMCID: PMC8857891 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02866-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although existential loneliness seems to be a natural consequence of being human, some people may experience it more intensely. In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether frustration intolerance, which is one of the basic concepts of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and psychological need frustration, which is the basic concept of Self-determination Theory predicted existential loneliness or not. A total of 294 adults were included in the study. The results showed that existential loneliness was directly predicted by frustration intolerance. As a result of the mediation test, all dimensions of psychological need frustration (autonomy frustration, relatedness frustration, and competence frustration) fully mediated the relationship between frustration intolerance and existential loneliness. The place of these findings in the literature was discussed and some recommendations were made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Saricali
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Nevşehir, Turkey
| | - Deniz Guler
- Faculty of Education, Department of Counseling and Guidance, Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Turkey
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41
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Venturini C, Moreira BDS, Ferriolli E, Liberalesso Neri A, Lourenço RA, Sampaio RF. Can Social Resources Explain the Limitations in the Activities of Daily Living of Older Adults Classified by the Phenotype of Physical Frailty? J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:1445-1453. [PMID: 35025622 DOI: 10.1177/07334648211064267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective is to investigate the mediating roles of living alone and personal network in the relationship between physical frailty and activities of daily living (ADL) limitations among older adults. 2271 individuals were classified as vulnerable (pre-frail or frail) or robust. Mediating variables were living alone and personal network. Katz Index and Lawton-Brody scale were used to assess ADL. Mediating effects were analyzed with beta coefficients from linear regression models using the bootstrapping method. Mediation analysis showed significant mediating effects of living alone (β = .011; 95% CI = .004; .018) and personal network (β = .005; 95% CI = .001; .010) on the relationship between physical frailty and basic ADL limitations. Mediation effects of living alone and personal network on the relationship between physical frailty and instrumental ADL limitations were β = -.074 (95% CI=-.101; -.046) and β = -.044 (95% CI = -.076; -.020), respectively. Physically vulnerable older adults who lived alone or had poor personal network were more dependent on basic and instrumental ADL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Venturini
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, Department of Physical Therapy, 28114Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruno de Souza Moreira
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rosana Ferreira Sampaio
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, Department of Physical Therapy, 28114Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Chau AKC, So SHW, Sun X, Zhu C, Chiu CD, Chan RCK, Leung PWL. The co-occurrence of multidimensional loneliness with depression, social anxiety and paranoia in non-clinical young adults: A latent profile analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:931558. [PMID: 36186883 PMCID: PMC9517946 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.931558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loneliness is a negative experience arising from a mismatch between perceived and actual social relationships. Several dimensions of loneliness have been suggested, namely intimate, relational and collective loneliness. Loneliness has been linked to poorer mental health, with its co-occurrence with depression, social anxiety, and paranoia most widely reported. While expressions of these symptoms are heterogeneous across individuals in the non-clinical population, it remains unclear how these symptoms co-occur with one another and with various dimensions of loneliness. It is also of interest how trait factors such as core schemas about self/others may moderate these relationships between loneliness and co-occurring symptoms. METHODS A demographically diverse sample of young adults was recruited from multiple sources. The validated sample consisted of 2,089 participants (68.4% female), who completed an online survey consisting of questionnaires assessing levels of multidimensional loneliness, depression, social anxiety, paranoia, core schemas, and demographic characteristics. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify distinct profiles of loneliness and the three symptoms. Positive and negative core schemas about self and others were modeled as predictors of these profiles. RESULTS Five distinct profiles were identified. Profile 1 had low levels across all symptoms and dimensions of loneliness (n = 1,273, 60.9%). Profiles 2-5 were elevated on dimensions of loneliness, and were heightened in depression (n = 189, 9.0%), social anxiety (n = 206, 9.9%), paranoia (n = 198, 9.5%), and all symptoms (n = 223, 10.7%), respectively. Relative to Profile 1, the other four profiles scored higher on negative-self (adjusted ORs = 1.36-1.49, ps < 0.001) and negative-other schemas (adjusted ORs = 1.24-1.44, ps < 0.001), and lower on positive-self (adjusted ORs = 0.82-0.85, ps < 0.001) and positive-other schemas (adjusted ORs = 0.81-0.90, ps < 0.001). CONCLUSION More marked intimate, relational and collective loneliness were evident across profiles that had heightened depression, social anxiety and/or paranoia, suggesting that loneliness may serve as a general risk factor for these psychopathologies. Our findings shed light on the heterogeneity of the co-occurrence of loneliness and various mental health difficulties in non-clinical young adults. Core schemas are suggested to be putative psychological mechanisms underlying their co-occurrence and even development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anson Kai Chun Chau
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Suzanne Ho-Wai So
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaoqi Sun
- Department of Psychology, School of Educational Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chui-De Chiu
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Patrick W L Leung
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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O’Sullivan R, Burns A, Leavey G, Leroi I, Burholt V, Lubben J, Holt-Lunstad J, Victor C, Lawlor B, Vilar-Compte M, Perissinotto CM, Tully MA, Sullivan MP, Rosato M, Power JM, Tiilikainen E, Prohaska TR. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Loneliness and Social Isolation: A Multi-Country Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9982. [PMID: 34639283 PMCID: PMC8508181 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18199982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic and subsequent public health social measures have challenged our social and economic life, with increasing concerns around potentially rising levels of social isolation and loneliness. This paper is based on cross-sectional online survey data (available in 10 languages, from 2 June to 16 November 2020) with 20,398 respondents from 101 different countries. It aims to help increase our understanding of the global risk factors that are associated with social isolation and loneliness, irrespective of culture or country, to support evidence-based policy, services and public health interventions. We found the prevalence of severe loneliness was 21% during COVID-19 with 6% retrospectively reporting severe loneliness prior to the pandemic. A fifth were defined as isolated based on their usual connections, with 13% reporting a substantial increase in isolation during COVID-19. Personal finances and mental health were overarching and consistently cross-cutting predictors of loneliness and social isolation, both before and during the pandemic. With the likelihood of future waves of COVID-19 and related restrictions, it must be a public health priority to address the root causes of loneliness and social isolation and, in particular, address the needs of specific groups such as carers or those living alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger O’Sullivan
- Institute of Public Health, D08 NH90 Dublin, Ireland;
- The Bamford Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (G.L.); (M.R.)
| | - Annette Burns
- Institute of Public Health, D08 NH90 Dublin, Ireland;
- The Bamford Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (G.L.); (M.R.)
| | - Gerard Leavey
- The Bamford Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (G.L.); (M.R.)
| | - Iracema Leroi
- The Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (I.L.); (B.L.)
| | - Vanessa Burholt
- School of Nursing/School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
- Centre for Innovative Ageing, School of Health and Social Care, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - James Lubben
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA;
| | | | - Christina Victor
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK;
| | - Brian Lawlor
- The Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (I.L.); (B.L.)
| | - Mireya Vilar-Compte
- Research Center for Equitable Development (EQUIDE), Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City 01219, Mexico;
| | - Carla M. Perissinotto
- Division of Geriatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Mark A. Tully
- Institute of Mental Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, UK;
| | - Mary Pat Sullivan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Education and Professional Studies, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B 8L7, Canada;
| | - Michael Rosato
- The Bamford Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (G.L.); (M.R.)
| | | | - Elisa Tiilikainen
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Thomas R. Prohaska
- College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
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Bundy H, Lee HM, Sturkey KN, Caprio AJ. The Lived Experience of Already-Lonely Older Adults During COVID-19. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:870-877. [PMID: 34115867 PMCID: PMC8411383 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives From the outset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, analysts
warned that older populations, due to their age, chronic illnesses, and lack
of technological facility, would suffer disproportionately from loneliness
as they sheltered in place indefinitely. Several studies have recently been
published on the impact of COVID-19-related loneliness among older
populations, but little has been written about the experiences of
already-lonely older individuals; those who had lived with persistent
loneliness before the advent of COVID-19. This qualitative study sought to
understand how already-lonely older individuals navigated and endured the
social isolation of the pandemic. Research Design and Methods Twelve semistructured interviews were conducted with individuals aged 65 or
older who scored a 6 or above on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Risk screening
tool. Interviews were coded using the constant comparative method. Themes
and understandings of loneliness that reoccurred within and across
interviews were identified and collected. Results Already-isolated older interviewees did not necessarily experience the abject
loneliness hypothesized by analysts. Most interviewees used longstanding
arrangements, in place to mitigate loneliness and endure social isolation,
to manage the social deprivation of COVID-19. As a result, their loneliness
did not compound during long bouts of mandated social isolation. To the
contrary, loneliness during the pandemic appeared to carry a new valence for
interviewees, as COVID-19 imbued their isolation with new meaning, rendering
their loneliness necessary and responsible. Discussion and Implications Exploring individuals’ subjective perceptions of loneliness can help
provide a deeper understanding of what it means to be isolated and alone
during COVID-19 and aid in designing strategies to mitigate loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Bundy
- Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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van Tilburg TG. Emotional, social, and existential loneliness before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Prevalence and risk factors among Dutch older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:e179-e184. [PMID: 34097025 PMCID: PMC8394819 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, with its accompanying isolation measures, has led to increasing loneliness among older adults. In this study, we examine whether the increased level of loneliness observed in the Netherlands persisted into the fall of 2020, whether there were differences in emotional, social, and existential loneliness, and whether the presence of well-known risk factors for loneliness also led to further increases in loneliness during the pandemic. Methods Data were obtained from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, with observations of 404 community-dwelling older adults aged 74–96 years from 2019 and fall 2020. Results Loneliness increased between 2019 and 2020, and the increase was particularly high for emotional loneliness (partial η 2 = 0.19). Having a partner and a high mastery and good physical functioning before the pandemic provided some protection against an increase in loneliness. Discussion Loneliness increased for almost all older people. Targeted policies can reduce the negative impact of vulnerabilities. Efforts to combat loneliness during the pandemic should focus not only on groups traditionally considered vulnerable, such as socially isolated people, but also on older adults with a partner and who have daily contact with others.
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Senese VP, Nasti C, Mottola F, Sergi I, Massaro R, Gnisci A. The Relationship Between Loneliness and Psychological Adjustment: Validation of the Italian Version of the Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Loneliness Scale. Front Psychol 2021; 12:655410. [PMID: 34149540 PMCID: PMC8210846 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.655410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent literature, many researchers have highlighted that the feeling of loneliness can be considered a sign of relevant distress with short- and long-term consequences on the health of people who needs to be appropriately monitored and treated. In this view, the Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Loneliness Scale (IPARLS) has been developed to evaluate the subjective feelings and distress related to interpersonal loneliness and to overcome the limits of the previous scales; however, its psychometric characteristics have not yet been fully investigated. Starting from these considerations, two studies have been conducted. The first study, involving 688 adults (19-69 years; 51% females), assessed dimensionality, reliability, and validity of and tested the measurement invariance (MI) of the Italian version of the IPARLS. The second study, involving 205 adults (20-69 years; 51% females), investigated the relationship between loneliness and psychological adjustment. Results confirmed the unidimensionality of the scale and showed that it is reliable, valid, and fully invariant as a function of age and gender. Moreover, data showed a strong association between perceived loneliness and psychological adjustment. The IPARLS is confirmed to be a valid and reliable measure to investigate loneliness in the life cycle from clinical and research perspectives.
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The Impact of COVID-19 Measures on Well-Being of Older Long-Term Care Facility Residents in the Netherlands. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 21:1569-1570. [PMID: 33036911 PMCID: PMC7833500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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