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Bellucci G, Park SQ. Loneliness is associated with more trust but worse trustworthiness expectations. Br J Psychol 2024. [PMID: 38807533 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Subjective feelings of loneliness emerge due to unsatisfactory social relationships, representing a major risk for mental and physical well-being. Despite its social nature, evidence on how loneliness affects social behaviours and expectations is lacking. Using Bayesian analyses and economic games, we show in three different studies that lonelier individuals trusted their partners to a greater extent despite less favourable trustworthiness expectations, showing a greater discrepancy between their trusting behaviours and their expectations of others' trustworthiness. Such discrepancy was reversed in extravert individuals who also reported to be less lonely. These results provide evidence on two opposing effects of loneliness as a motivator for social connections and promoter of social withdrawal, and demonstrate the moderating role of personality traits. This work contributes to a better understanding of how loneliness impacts social behaviour and social expectations, with important downstream clinical implications for varying health conditions associated with heightened feelings of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Bellucci
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
- Department of Psychology I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Soyoung Q Park
- Department of Psychology I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Neuroscience Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
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2
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Volkos P, Linardakis M, Stamati M, Symvoulakis EK. Exploring Loneliness, Trust, and Psychosocial Meanings Among Primary Care Attendees: A Cross-Sectional Study From a General Practice Setting in Crete, Greece. Cureus 2024; 16:e61019. [PMID: 38910642 PMCID: PMC11194041 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loneliness is often associated with behavioral, psychological, social, and mental and physical health aspects, while the relationship between trust and loneliness is still challenging in terms of research. The present study aimed to investigate to what extent loneliness and trust interact and if there is any association between loneliness and routine events or behaviors that affect overall well-being. METHODS This cross-sectional sample of 120 participants, aged between 40 and 75 years, was collected from an urban Primary Health Care Unit, between May and July 2023, in a consecutive manner, after criteria application. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale (Version 3) and the Personal Trust and Connections Scale (PerTC) were completed. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis in steps and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 59.8 years and the majority were females (73.3%). Only 10.8% were found to have no Behavioral Risk Factors (BRFs). A higher sense of loneliness was associated with being widowed/unmarried/divorced (unstandardized β=-4.10, p=0.045), not having children (β=-2.80, p=0.038), having more BRFs (β=2.03, p=0.032), or being in contact with fewer friends (β=-0.56, p<0.001). A higher sense of loneliness was related to lower levels of trust (β=-1.29, p=0.032). Lower odds of demonstrating high levels of loneliness were found among married individuals (odds ratio (OR): 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15, 0.95; p=0.039) and those who reported six or more routine contacts or meetings with friends (OR: 0.31; 95% CI 0.13, 0.74; p=0.008). A lower score on the total PerTC scale was related to higher odds of increased loneliness (OR: 2.78; 95%CI 1.01, 7.62; p=0.048). CONCLUSION Being married and coming in contact or meeting with more friends was associated with lower odds of reporting high feelings of loneliness, while lower trust was correlated with increased odds of loneliness. Also, persons with more BRFs were found to have a higher loneliness score. Given their inverse correlation, tools that measure levels of loneliness and trust, like the UCLA and PerTC scales, may be used within primary care consultation to offer new insights on health risk behaviors and their possible synergistic influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Volkos
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, GRC
| | - Manolis Linardakis
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, GRC
| | - Maria Stamati
- 4th Local Health Team, Academic Unit of Heraklion, Heraklion, GRC
| | - Emmanouil K Symvoulakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, GRC
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3
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Thomas S, Kelsey C, Vaish A. No one is going to recess: How children evaluate collective and targeted punishment. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2024; 33:e12730. [PMID: 38993500 PMCID: PMC11238698 DOI: 10.1111/sode.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
This study examined children's responses to targeted and collective punishment. Thirty-six 4-5-year-olds and 36 6-7-year-olds (36 females; 54 White; data collected 2018-2019 in the United States) experienced three classroom punishment situations: Targeted (only transgressing student punished), Collective (one student transgressed, all students punished), and Baseline (all students transgressed, all punished). The older children evaluated collective punishment as less fair than targeted, whereas younger children evaluated both similarly. Across ages, children distributed fewer resources to teachers who administered collective than targeted punishment, and rated transgressors more negatively and distributed fewer resources to transgressors in Collective and Targeted than Baseline. These findings demonstrate children's increasing understanding of punishment and point to the potential impact of different forms of punishment on children's social lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Thomas
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Caroline Kelsey
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amrisha Vaish
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Bellucci G, Park SQ. Neurocomputational mechanisms of biased impression formation in lonely individuals. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1118. [PMID: 37923876 PMCID: PMC10624906 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05429-2] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Social impressions are fundamental in our daily interactions with other people but forming accurate impressions of our social partners can be biased to different extents. Loneliness has previously been suggested to induce biases that hinder the formation of accurate impressions of others for successful social bonding. Here, we demonstrated that despite counterfactual evidence, negative first impressions bias information weighting, leading to less favorable trustworthiness beliefs. Lonely individuals did not only have more negative expectations of others' social behavior, but they also manifested a stronger weighting bias. Reduced orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activity was associated with a stronger weighting bias in lonelier individuals and mediated the relationship between loneliness and this weighting bias. Importantly, stronger coupling between OFC and temporoparietal junction compensated for such effects, promoting more positive trustworthiness beliefs especially in lonelier individuals. These findings bear potential for future basic and clinical investigations on social cognition and the development of clinical symptoms linked to loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Bellucci
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, TW20 0EX, UK.
- Department of Psychology I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Soyoung Q Park
- Department of Psychology I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Neuroscience Research Center, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetes, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
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5
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Reiter AMF, Hula A, Vanes L, Hauser TU, Kokorikou D, Goodyer IM, Fonagy P, Moutoussis M, Dolan RJ. Self-reported childhood family adversity is linked to an attenuated gain of trust during adolescence. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6920. [PMID: 37903767 PMCID: PMC10616102 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41531-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A longstanding proposal in developmental research is that childhood family experiences provide a template that shapes a capacity for trust-based social relationships. We leveraged longitudinal data from a cohort of healthy adolescents (n = 570, aged 14-25), which included decision-making and psychometric data, to characterise normative developmental trajectories of trust behaviour and inter-individual differences therein. Extending on previous cross-sectional findings from the same cohort, we show that a task-based measure of trust increases longitudinally from adolescence into young adulthood. Computational modelling suggests this is due to a decrease in social risk aversion. Self-reported family adversity attenuates this developmental gain in trust behaviour, and within our computational model, this relates to a higher 'irritability' parameter in those reporting greater adversity. Unconditional trust at measurement time point T1 predicts the longitudinal trajectory of self-reported peer relation quality, particularly so for those with higher family adversity, consistent with trust acting as a resilience factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M F Reiter
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, University College London, London, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK.
- Department of Child and Adolescence Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Centre of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Psychology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- CRC Cognitive Control, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Andreas Hula
- Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucy Vanes
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tobias U Hauser
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, University College London, London, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School and University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Danae Kokorikou
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ian M Goodyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Fonagy
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Moutoussis
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, University College London, London, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Raymond J Dolan
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, University College London, London, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Akkuş K. Fear of Positive Evaluation and Loneliness: Mediating Role of Social Anxiety and Suppression. Psychol Rep 2023:332941231197154. [PMID: 37612839 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231197154] [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: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness is a commonly observed problem that is associated with several mental and physical health outcomes. Although research shows that fear of negative evaluation is related to loneliness, no study has examined the role of fear of positive evaluation (FPE) on loneliness. This study investigated the mediator role of social anxiety and suppression in the relationship between FPE and loneliness using an undergraduate sample (N = 467). The results show that FPE is positively associated with loneliness and that this relationship is mediated by social anxiety and suppression. This study highlights the importance of the FPE in understanding loneliness and can guide intervention programs for loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koray Akkuş
- Department of Psychology, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey
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Billah MA, Akhtar S, Khan MN. Loneliness and trust issues reshape mental stress of expatriates during early COVID-19: a structural equation modelling approach. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:140. [PMID: 37120632 PMCID: PMC10148631 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01180-9] [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: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore relationship among perceived stress regarding loneliness, interpersonal trust and institutional trust of expatriates during the early COVID-19 period (from 30th March to 30th May 2020). METHODS Data from 21,439 expatriates were extracted from COVIDiSTRESS global survey. The outcome variable was perceived stress. The explanatory variables were age, perceived loneliness, trust (interpersonal and institutional). Pairwise correlation, and structural equation modelling were used to determine relationship among outcome and explanatory variables. RESULTS The majority of the expatriates were female (73.85%), married (60.20%), had college degree (47.76%), and employed (48.72%). Over 63% of the total expatriates reported that the COVID-19 pandemic changed their lives. The average age of the respondents was 40.4 years (± 13.7), and the average score of perceived stress, loneliness, interpersonal and institutional trust were 25.5, 7.4, 14.2 and 40.4, respectively. We found a moderate correlation of perceived stress with age, perceived loneliness, interpersonal trust and institutional trust (p < 0.001). They were also found moderately related to each other. Structural equation modelling evaluated that a lack of trust can cause loneliness among expatriates, which later lead to perceived stress. Interpersonal trust was more likely to be associated with stress than institutional trust, whereas perceived loneliness mediated between both trusts and perceived stress. CONCLUSION Perceived stress can be reduced through trusting others and alleviating the loneliness. Making strong linkage among migrants as well as between migrants and local community is important to ensure proper mental wellbeing of expatriates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arif Billah
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
- Health System and Population Studies Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Sharmin Akhtar
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Md Nuruzzaman Khan
- Department of Population Science, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
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Rotenberg KJ, Manley E, Mee S. A test of the social withdrawal syndrome hypothesis of bulimia nervosa. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2023; 11:354-359. [PMID: 38178970 PMCID: PMC10762298 DOI: 10.5114/hpr/161657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study examined the social withdrawal syndrome (SWS) hypothesis of bulimia nervosa (BN). According to the hypothesis, eating disorders such as BN are associated with a coherent set of social withdrawal cognitions, affect, and behavior. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE Eight-eight young female adults completed a standardized measure of bulimic symptoms and measures of social withdrawal (affective withdrawal, trust beliefs in close others, and disclosure). Participants were engaged in a laboratory-based peer interaction which yielded the SWS measure of perceived lack of social connectiveness. RESULTS Bulimic symptoms were associated with each measure of social withdrawal. Structural equation modeling analysis confirmed that those measures contributed to a coherent latent factor which was associated with bulimic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The findings supported the social withdrawal syndrome hypothesis of BN and have implications for the detection and treatment of eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Mee
- Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
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Rotenberg KJ, Teunisse AK, Case TI, Fitness J, Sweller N. How Much Should We Trust Others? The Relationship Between Trust Beliefs in Others and Psychosocial Adjustment. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2023.42.1.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: This study compared the Trust Promotes Adjustment (TPA) approach with the Centralist Approach to Trust (CAT) regarding the relationship between trust beliefs in others and psychosocial adjustment. The TPA predicted linear, whereas the CAT predicted quadratic, relationships between the two. The predictions were tested by analyses for the curvilinearity of data gathered by Teunisse et al. (2020). Method: Six hundred and fifty-one adults (M age = 24.9 years, SD = 10.4 years) completed standardized scales of trust beliefs in others, agreeableness, and social intelligence. Results: In support of TPA, trust beliefs in others were linearly associated with social awareness. In support of CAT, quadratic relations were found between trust beliefs in others and both agreeableness and social skills. Individuals with very low or very high trust beliefs showed lower agreeableness and social skills than those with the midrange of trust beliefs or the linear relationship between the variables. Individuals showed optimal psychosocial adjustment when trust beliefs were between 1.5 standard deviations above and below the mean. Discussion: These findings challenge the traditional TPA, which asserts that increasing trust in others corresponds to increasing psychosocial adjustment. The findings support the CAT hypothesis that too little or too much trust in others is associated with psychosocial maladjustment with implications for psychopathology.
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Trust Beliefs in Significant Others, Interpersonal Stress, and Internalizing Psychopathology of Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:450-459. [PMID: 34599722 PMCID: PMC9977849 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01255-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study examined relations between trust beliefs in significant others (TBSO), interpersonal stress, and internalizing psychopathology for adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Two hundred and thirty-four adolescents from an acute inpatient unit (154 females, Mage = 14.72 years, SD = 1.39 years) completed standardized scales/interviews that assessed TBSO (mother, father, teacher, peers and TBSO as a total score), interpersonal stress, and internalizing psychopathology. It was found that adolescents' TBSO and trust beliefs in each significant other were negatively associated with interpersonal stress and internalizing psychopathology. The findings confirmed that the relation between the adolescents' interpersonal stress and internalizing psychopathology was moderated by TBSO, trust beliefs in mother, and trust beliefs in peers. The findings supported the conclusion that holding elevated TBSO (particularly trust beliefs in mother and peers) by adolescents with psychiatric disorders promotes their psychosocial adjustment including their resilience to the effects of interpersonal stress on internalizing psychopathology.
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Ellis O, Heshmati S, Oravecz Z. What makes early adults feel loved? Cultural consensus of felt love experiences in early adulthood. APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2022.2158086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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12
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Rapolienė G, Aartsen M. Lonely societies: low trust societies? Further explanations for national variations in loneliness among older Europeans. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:485-494. [PMID: 36052198 PMCID: PMC9424392 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00649-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-national studies in Europe reveal sharp regional differences in the prevalence of loneliness among older adults, with the highest prevalence of loneliness in Eastern European countries. In this study, we investigate an alternative explanation for differences in loneliness prevalence based on differences in trust. Many of the Eastern European countries were ruled by totalitarian regimes that undermined people's trust in other people and in the system, potentially leading to higher loneliness prevalence. Data are derived from the sixth round of the European Social Survey conducted in 2012, based on 12,042 respondents, of which 4827 live in post-totalitarian countries and 7215 in other European countries and Israel. We estimate a path model with trust in people, trust in the system, and social engagement included as latent variables and one dichotomous outcome (lonely or not). We control for age, gender, health limitations, marital status, income adequacy, and education. The results reveal that loneliness is partly constructed by the social-cultural and historical-political characteristics of the countries in which people live. The higher prevalence of loneliness in the Eastern-European post-totalitarian countries can be linked to a low level of trust in other people through social disengagement. Considering the role of trust in the creation of individuals feelings of loneliness contributes to the understanding of country variations in loneliness and opens a new perspective in loneliness research and the development of policies aimed at reducing loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marja Aartsen
- Norwegian Social Research, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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13
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Śmieja M, Blaut A, Kłosowska J, Wiecha J. Not moved, still lonely: the negative relation between loneliness and being moved. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11031-022-09955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Verity L, Yang K, Nowland R, Shankar A, Turnbull M, Qualter P. Loneliness From the Adolescent Perspective: A Qualitative Analysis of Conversations About Loneliness Between Adolescents and Childline Counselors. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/07435584221111121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There is limited qualitative research on the experience of loneliness in adolescence, meaning key facets of the loneliness experience that are important in adolescence may have been overlooked. The current study addresses that gap in the literature and explores how loneliness is experienced in the context of adolescence from the perspective of adolescents. About 67 online counseling conversations between Childline counselors and adolescents (ages 12–18 years; 70% females) who had contacted Childline to talk about loneliness were analyzed using Thematic Framework Analysis to establish commonalities and salient issues involved in adolescent experiences of loneliness. Young people considered loneliness to be an intense experience that negatively impacted their daily lives. Experiences of loneliness revolved around difficulties with peer relationships, but turmoil at home worsened those experiences. Young people often employed short-term coping strategies that distracted them from loneliness. Issues with trusting others and self-worth acted as barriers to seeking long-term help. Recommendations include (1) the training of teachers and parents to recognize and support young people experiencing loneliness and (2) further research to establish the coping strategies that are used by adolescents who successfully overcome loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michelle Turnbull
- NSPCC, National Services Information Manager Responsible for Disseminating Statistics and Learning From Contacts to Childline and the NSPCC Helpline, London, UK
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15
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Lay-Yee R, Campbell D, Milne B. Social attitudes and activities associated with loneliness: Findings from a New Zealand national survey of the adult population. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1120-1132. [PMID: 33765362 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There has been growing recognition of the harmful consequences of loneliness for health and well-being, and the need for community intervention, particularly in times of global crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic with its imperatives of distancing, isolation, and quarantine. Social capital and a sense of social cohesion are known to have roles in buffering against the effects of adverse life circumstances. Our study sought to investigate the association of a range of social attitudes and activities - as proxies for social capital - with loneliness while taking into account socio-demographic factors. We undertook a national survey on a stratified random sample of the New Zealand (NZ) adult population aged 18+ in 2017 (n = 1,358), data from which included the requisite variables. The prevalence of loneliness was highest in young adults (18-30), falling with age until a slight rise in older people (76+). Loneliness was associated with socio-demographic factors, being more prevalent in the more disadvantaged groups: the deprived, Māori (the indigenous people of NZ), the non-partnered, and the less educated. Controlling for these socio-demographic factors, pro-social attitudes (that is towards political efficacy, trust in others, not feeling exploited, or being committed to family) and participation in social activities (that is being employed or being involved in recreation groups) - were protective against loneliness. Our study supports asset-based approaches to tackling loneliness - with implications for health and social care - that emphasise mobilising existing social resources, building social capital, and raising social cohesion in our communities. Such intervention on loneliness would help to prevent and ameliorate its detrimental consequences for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Lay-Yee
- Centre of Methods and Policy Application in the Social Sciences (COMPASS), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David Campbell
- Centre of Methods and Policy Application in the Social Sciences (COMPASS), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Barry Milne
- Centre of Methods and Policy Application in the Social Sciences (COMPASS), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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O'Donnell AJ, Sánchez B, Grant KE. Latinx adolescents' trust in adults: A precursor to psychological well-being via mentoring relational quality and self-esteem. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:1681-1699. [PMID: 34797918 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to test a longitudinal model of trust in adults and psychological well-being among Latinx adolescents, a population that has received little attention in the trust literature. The participants were urban, low-income Latinx (N = 294) students at two urban, Midwestern high schools who indicated they had at least one natural mentor in 9th grade. Participants completed surveys at two-time points, in 9th and 10th grade, and responded to measures of their feelings toward adults, quality of their natural mentoring relationships, self-esteem, intrinsic academic motivation, and coping self-efficacy. More trust in adults was indirectly, but not directly, associated with higher coping self-efficacy via higher mentoring relational quality and self-esteem. Positive expectations of adults may open Latinx youth to closeness in natural mentoring relationships and positive self-perceptions, which may, in turn, bolster coping ability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernadette Sánchez
- Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kathryn E Grant
- Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Taylor LK, O’Driscoll D, Merrilees CE, Goeke-Morey M, Shirlow P, Cummings EM. Trust, Forgiveness, and Peace: The Influence of Adolescent Social Identity in a Setting of Intergroup Conflict. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT 2022; 46:101-111. [PMID: 35783662 PMCID: PMC9248412 DOI: 10.1177/01650254211066768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Following the signing of peace agreements, post-accord societies often remain deeply divided across group lines. There is a need to identify antecedents of youth's support for peace and establish more constructive intergroup relations. This article explored the effect of out-group trust, intergroup forgiveness and social identity on support for the peace process among youth from the historic majority and minorities communities in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The sample comprised of 667 adolescents (49% male; M=15.74, SD=1.99 years old) across two time points. Results from the structural equation model suggested that out-group trust was related to intergroup forgiveness over time, while forgiveness related to later support for the peace process. Strength of in-group social identity differentially moderated how out-group trust and intergroup forgiveness relate to later support for peace among youth from the conflict-related groups (i.e., Protestants and Catholics). Implications for consolidating peace in Northern Ireland are discussed, which may be relevant to other settings affected by intergroup conflict.
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Yuan Y, Jiang S, Yan S, Chen L, Zhang M, Zhang J, Luo L, Jeong J, Lv Y, Jiang K. The relationship between depression and social avoidance of college students: A moderated mediation model. J Affect Disord 2022; 300:249-254. [PMID: 34979184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fact that depression and anxiety are highly prevalent and often co-occur has been well documented. The present study hypothesized that loneliness and interpersonal trust mediate the relationship between depression and social anxiety, with self-esteem playing a moderating role. METHODS 1021 college students completed the interpersonal trust scale (ITS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), UCLA loneliness scale, self-esteem scale (SES), and social avoidance and distress (SAD) scale. And descriptive statistical analysis and correlation analysis, structural equation model analysis were conducted. RESULTS 1) The correlations between depression, loneliness, interpersonal trust, self-esteem and social avoidance were all statistically significant. 2) Loneliness and interpersonal trust mediated the relationship between depression and social avoidance. 3) Self-esteem moderated the relationship between interpersonal trust and social avoidance. Specifically, compared with individuals who had high self-esteem, social avoidance in those with low self-esteem individuals was more susceptible to the effects of interpersonal trust. LIMITATIONS First, the questionnaire data may be influenced by social approval. Second, most of the participants were college students. Finally, the causal relationship between the variables could not be inferred. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that loneliness and interpersonal trust played mediating roles between depression and social avoidance, and the relationship between interpersonal trust and social avoidance was moderated by self-esteem. It provides a new way to explain the mechanism of depression, and a new perspective for the clinical intervention of depression, that is, from the perspective of their self-experience and self-esteem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yuan
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Department of Statistics, Chonnam National University, Korea
| | - Suhua Jiang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, China
| | - Shiyu Yan
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lei Chen
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lilan Luo
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jaesik Jeong
- Department of Statistics, Chonnam National University, Korea.
| | - Yijun Lv
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Ke Jiang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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Refaeli T, Achdut N. Perceived poverty, perceived income adequacy and loneliness in Israeli young adults: Are social capital and neighbourhood capital resilience factors? HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:668-684. [PMID: 32959947 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness is a severe risk factor that has been linked to diminished health outcomes and low quality of life across ages. Young adults have been identified as a high-risk group for experiencing loneliness, but only a few studies have explored the economic and social determinants of loneliness in this age group. Taking a social inequality approach to health, with loneliness as a focus, this study examined: (a) the associations between the following factors - subjective social status (SSS) indicators (perceived poverty and perceived income adequacy), offline and online social capital, and neighbourhood capital - and loneliness; and (2) whether social and neighbourhood capital were moderators in the association between SSS and loneliness. Cross-sectional data for individuals aged 20-29 were taken from the 2017 Israeli Social Survey (N = 1,508). Employing multinomial logit models, we found that perceived poverty was a strong predictor of loneliness. Greater social and neighbourhood capital decreased loneliness, whereas a higher use of online social networks increased loneliness. Neighbourhood capital and perceived trust were moderators, whereas trust was a resilience factor, neighbourhood capital strengthened the negative effect of perceived poverty on loneliness. To reduce the prevalence of loneliness in young adults, policymakers should examine various means of enhancing social and neighbourhood capital along with moderating the use of online social networks. However, they should be aware that interventions of this kind can do little to buffer the strong effect of perceived poverty on loneliness, as in most cases the effect of perceived poverty on the probability of loneliness is not ameliorated by improved social or neighbourhood resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tehila Refaeli
- The Charlotte Jack Spitzer Department of Social Work, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Netta Achdut
- The Charlotte Jack Spitzer Department of Social Work, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Graves M, Penner F, Sharp C. Interpersonal trust in adolescents with psychiatric disorders and borderline pathology. Scand J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Psychol 2021; 9:176-186. [PMID: 34805011 PMCID: PMC8596190 DOI: 10.21307/sjcapp-2021-020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Adolescents with features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) may experience deficits in interpersonal trust; however, a simultaneous comparison of interpersonal trust among adolescents with BPD, other psychiatric disorders, and no psychiatric conditions (healthy controls) has never been conducted. Objective: The aims of this study were to 1) explore differences in interpersonal trust (emotional trust, honesty beliefs, and reliability beliefs) between these three groups, and 2) examine the incremental value of BPD features in association with interpersonal trust over and above internalizing and externalizing. Method: Adolescents (N = 445, 67.9% female, Mage = 15.13) recruited from two psychiatric hospitals (psychiatric sample, n = 280) and community organizations (healthy sample, n = 165) completed measures of BPD features, interpersonal trust, and internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Psychiatric adolescents also completed an interview assessing BPD (n = 83 BPD). ANCOVA and hierarchical linear regression were used for analyses. Results: Emotional trust differed significantly across all three groups, with the lowest level of emotional trust in adolescents with BPD. Reliability was also lower in the two psychiatric groups relative to healthy controls. BPD features were significantly, inversely associated with emotional trust and reliability beliefs when controlling for internalizing and externalizing pathology. Post-hoc analyses testing specificity of the three forms of trust found that lower emotional trust predicted BPD diagnosis over and above the other two forms of trust. Conclusions: Findings highlight emotional trust as a correlate and important target of intervention for adolescents with BPD, and add to knowledge on interpersonal trust deficits for adolescents with psychiatric disorders more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Penner
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carla Sharp
- University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Rotenberg KJ, Manley E, Walker KM. The relation between young adults' trust beliefs in others and interpersonal hostility. Aggress Behav 2021; 47:544-556. [PMID: 34114206 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The research examined whether, and if so how, young adults' trust beliefs in others were associated with interpersonal hostility. The participants in Study 1 were 139 young adults from the UK (76 women; Mage = 20.8). In Study 2, 88 young adult women from the UK (Mage = 21.5) served as participants. The participants completed a standardized measure of trust beliefs in others (total with reliability, honesty, and emotional subscales). In Study 1, participants imagined they were victims of peer provocation. They were required to judge the intention for the provocation and their retaliation to it. In Study 2, the participants were engaged in a lab-based acquaintanceship interaction that involved the exchange of disclosures. They completed an adjective checklist that assessed anger and evaluated the quality of the conversation. Trust beliefs were linearly and negatively associated with the attribution of hostile intentions, retaliation, anger toward others, and critical evaluation of a developing peer relationship. As expected though, quadratic relations were found. Young adults with very low and those with very high trust beliefs (primarily emotionally based) showed greater attribution of hostile intentions, retaliation, anger toward others, and critical evaluation of a developing peer relationship than did young adults with the middle range of trust beliefs. The linear relations supported the hypothesis that trust promotes psychosocial adjustment. The quadratic relations supported the deviation from the normative trust (centralist) approach primarily for emotional trust beliefs in others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Manley
- School of Psychology Keele Uniiversity Keele United Kingdom
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Three-item loneliness scale: psychometric properties and normative data of the Spanish version. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:7466-7474. [PMID: 34305365 PMCID: PMC8285042 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02110-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Loneliness is a common social phenomenon across countries with negative effects in health. Thus, the measurement of loneliness is of paramount importance. The Three-Item Loneliness Scale (TILS) was designed to be used in large-population surveys as a quick measure of loneliness. The aim of this study is to provide a Spanish validation of the TILS. A representative sample of the Spanish population (N = 1951) was used. We analysed the psychometric properties, factor structure, and distribution demographics characteristics of the Spanish TILS. Analyses showed differences regarding age, gender, educational level, employment status, household composition and annual gross income in line with previous literature. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed a unifactorial structure, with significant moderate correlations between the TILS and depression, anxiety, paranoia and well-being, and mild significant correlations with belongingness and mistrust. The internal consistency of the Spanish TILS was good (α = 0.82). Our study indicates that the TILS is a valid and reliable measure of loneliness in the Spanish population. Loneliness is a modern epidemic and a precursor of mental and health problems that reduced the quality of life. Therefore, it is important to have reliable measures of this phenomenon.
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Rotenberg KJ, Wicks C, Bathew R. Security of attachment and trust beliefs in close others during middle childhood. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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The relation between older adults’ trust beliefs in nursing home carers and adjustment to residential care. AGEING & SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x21000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The study examined the relation between older adults’ trust beliefs in nursing home carers (NHCs) and adjustment to residential care. Seventy-six older adults (mean age = 83 years, standard deviation = 7 years from UK nursing homes completed standardised scales of trust beliefs in NHCs and adjustment to residential care (satisfaction with care-giving, social engagement in the nursing home, loneliness and a latent measure). As expected, trust beliefs in NHCs were linearly associated with adjustment to residential care on all measures. There were quadratic relations between trust beliefs in NHCs and on given measures of adjustment to residential care (latent measure, satisfaction with care-giving and loneliness). Adults with very high and those with very low trust beliefs in NHCs showed depressed levels on those measures of adjustment to residential care relative to older adults with the middle range of trust beliefs. The research highlights the importance of older adults’ trust beliefs in NHCs for adjustment to nursing homes. The findings show though, that older adults who hold very high, as well those who hold very low, trust beliefs in NHCs are at risk for lower levels of adjustment.
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Yuan S, Xu M, Yao X, Zhang L, Du X, Yang D. Impact of trust violations on Attentional Bias and working memory updating. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01432-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Oleszkiewicz A. Blindness enhances interpersonal trust but deafness impedes social exchange balance. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110425] [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: 10/23/2022]
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Galinsky DF, Erol E, Atanasova K, Bohus M, Krause-Utz A, Lis S. Do I trust you when you smile? Effects of sex and emotional expression on facial trustworthiness appraisal. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243230. [PMID: 33270729 PMCID: PMC7714177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trust is a prerequisite for successful social relations. People tend to form a first impression of people‘s trustworthiness based on their facial appearance. The sex of the judging person and its congruency with the sex of the judged people influence these appraisals. Moreover, trustworthiness and happiness share some facial features, which has led to studies investigating the interplay between both social judgments. Studies revealed high correlation in judging happiness and trustworthiness across different facial identities. However, studies are missing that investigate whether this relationship exists on a within-subject level and whether in-group biases such as the congruency between the sex of the judging and judged individual influence this relationship. In the present study, we addressed these questions. Methods Data were collected in an online-survey in two separate samples (N = 30, German sample, N = 107 Dutch sample). Subjects assessed the intensity of happiness and trustworthiness expressed in neutral and calm facial expression of the same characters (50% males, 50% females). Statistical analyses comprised rm-Anova designs based on rating scores and estimates of within-subject associations between both judgments. Results Our findings replicate high correlations between happiness and trustworthiness ratings across facial identities based on average scores across participants. However, the strength of this association was strongly dependent on the methodological approach and inter-subject variability was high. Our data revealed an in-group advantage for trustworthiness in women. Moreover, the faces’ sex and emotional expressions differentially influenced the within-subject correlation between both judgments in men and women. Conclusion Our findings replicate previous studies on the association between happiness and trustworthiness judgments. We extend our understanding of the link between both social judgments by uncovering that within-subject variability is high and influenced by sex and the availability and appraisal of positive emotional facial cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina F. Galinsky
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ezgi Erol
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konstantina Atanasova
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Bohus
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Stefanie Lis
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Petrocchi S, Marciano L, Annoni AM, Camerini AL. "What you say and how you say it" matters: An experimental evidence of the role of synchronicity, modality, and message valence during smartphone-mediated communication. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237846. [PMID: 32941439 PMCID: PMC7497981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, smartphone-Mediated Communication (SMC) has become a popular form of social interactions. The present experimental study manipulated three aspects of messaging in a WhatsApp chat as a form of SMC: synchronicity (immediate vs. time-lagged response), modality (with or without emojis), and valence (empathic accurate vs. empathic inaccurate response). The aim of this study was to investigate whether these three aspects had an impact on perceived social support, interpersonal trust, and personality attribution of the communication partner. The partial mediation of perceived social presence (the evaluation of the communication partner's accessibility) and subjective social presence (the perception of being concordant with him/her) was also examined. Participants were 160 young adults, balanced in gender. They were randomly assigned to different the experimental conditions where they engaged in a manipulated WhatsApp chat with a fictitious same-gender communication partner. Post-questionnaire data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Message valence (empathic accurate response) and modality (with emojis) significantly predicted higher levels of both forms of social presence. Synchronicity (immediate response) predicted higher levels of perceived but not subjective social presence. Social presence, in turn, was positively associated with social support, while subjective, but not perceived social presence, was positively associated with personality attribution. Neither perceived nor subjective social presence were related to interpersonal trust. Our results show that both what is said and how it is said impact the experience of interpersonal relations in SMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Petrocchi
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Laura Marciano
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Anna Maria Annoni
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Linda Camerini
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
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Moll AM, Bester G. Factors that relate to sport participation of adolescents with a mobility impairment. Afr J Disabil 2019; 8:614. [PMID: 31616624 PMCID: PMC6779976 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v8i0.614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are multiple factors that make it difficult for learners with a mobility impairment to participate in sport, if not impossible. Unfortunately, it is not known which of these factors can be considered as the most important ones. Objectives The main objective was to obtain clarity on the factors that differentiate best between learners who participate in sport and those learners who are not participating. Method In total, 140 boys and girls with different types of mobility impairments participated. Information was obtained on inevitable factors such as age and gender, structure factors such as type of school and hostel dwelling and personal factors such as emotions and relationships with parents and peers. Results Four factors emerged that explained 22% of the variance in the distinctive characteristics of the group that participates in sport and the non-participating group. Age was the most important variable explaining 9% of the variance followed by trust (an emotional variable), gender and health. Conclusion Children with a mobility impairment should be encouraged to start participating in sport at an early age. Specific attention should be given to girls who are more reluctant to participate. Health is a factor that can inhibit sports participation; however, it should not be overemphasised. The emphasis should rather be on the development of trust, which will help adolescents with an impairment to take responsible risks in an adaptive sports environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aletta M Moll
- Department of Psychology of Education, College of Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Garfield Bester
- Department of Psychology of Education, College of Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
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Abstract
Loneliness can be evaluated from a 4-concept viewpoint of territory, threat, trauma and trust (4 Ts). Territory refers to an area of ownership that is controlled on a daily basis and is fundamental to one's daily life. Lonely individuals often manage boundaries by gaining greater control over their physical environment by territorial behavior. They guard personal territory well as the only area where they can exert dominance and feel safe. Perceptions of social isolation or loneliness increase vigilance for threats, decrease trust, and heighten feelings of vulnerability. Clinical teams caring for the lonely must be especially attentive to a history of prior trauma. Clinicians who ask permission, who pay attention to nonverbal cues, distance, and speed as they enter the lonely person's space, and who respect boundaries may be more successful in gaining trust. Achieving trust diminishes the risk of physical harm, while allowing lonely persons the perceived control they need to permit health care interventions. Veterans are at higher risk for loneliness. Given their military training, they may be particularly attentive to boundaries, protecting the perimeter, watching for threats, and defending their space. In this article, we discuss the successful mental health treatment of a lonely male veteran in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, by paying attention to the 4 Ts of loneliness. We used a 4-step approach of validation, mentalization, reality testing, and socialization to decrease the sense of threat as we sought acceptance to the patient's territory, followed by building trust and working on past trauma.
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Uziel L, Seemann M, Schmidt‐Barad T. From being alone to being the only one: Neuroticism is associated with an egocentric shift in an alone context. J Pers 2019; 88:339-355. [DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liad Uziel
- Psychology Department Bar‐Ilan University Ramat‐Gan Israel
| | - Martina Seemann
- Department of Psychology Johannes Gutenberg‐University of Mainz Mainz Germany
| | - Tomer Schmidt‐Barad
- Psychology Department Bar‐Ilan University Ramat‐Gan Israel
- Department of Behavioral Science Peres Academic Center Rehovot Israel
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HILL RYANM, PENNER FRANCESCA, VANWOERDEN SALOME, MELLICK WILLIAM, KAZIMI IRAM, SHARP CARLA. Interpersonal Trust and Suicide Ideation Among Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients: An Indirect Effect via Perceived Burdensomeness. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2019; 49:240-252. [PMID: 29370447 PMCID: PMC8935391 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The identification of theoretically and empirically supported correlates of suicide ideation is important to improve treatment approaches to suicide. This study sought to examine the association between interpersonal trust (theoretically conceptualized as a distal risk marker) and suicide ideation in adolescence. Specifically, it was hypothesized that interpersonal trust would be negatively associated with suicide ideation via perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness (conceptualized as more proximal risk markers). Data were drawn from a cross-sectional sample of 387 adolescent inpatients between the ages of 12 and 17 years (M = 14.72, SD = 1.49). The sample was 63.6% female, 37.5% Hispanic, 26.9% African American/Black, and 25.8% Caucasian. Adolescents completed a series of self-report measures to assess thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, interpersonal trust, depressive symptoms, and suicide ideation. A structural equation model was fit to the data, and results demonstrated a significant indirect path from interpersonal trust to suicide ideation via perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness. Results suggest that interpersonal trust may be a distal risk marker for suicide ideation and that interventions to increase interpersonal trust may help prevent the development of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicide ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- RYAN M. HILL
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - FRANCESCA PENNER
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - SALOME VANWOERDEN
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - WILLIAM MELLICK
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - IRAM KAZIMI
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - CARLA SHARP
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Borawski D. The loneliness of the zero-sum game loser. The balance of social exchange and belief in a zero-sum game as predictors of loneliness. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Rotenberg KJ, Petrocchi S. A longitudinal investigation of trust beliefs in physicians by children with asthma and their mothers: Relations with children's adherence to medical regimes and quality of life. Child Care Health Dev 2018; 44:879-884. [PMID: 30109723 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study examined the relations between trust beliefs in physicians, adherence to prescribed medical regimes, and quality of life for children with asthma and their mothers. METHODS One hundred forty-three children with asthma (116 males, M = 12 years-7 months) and their mothers were tested twice (Time 1/T1 and Time 2/T2) across a 1-year period. Standardized measures were administered that assessed the children's and mothers' trust beliefs in physicians, the children's quality of life, and children's adherence to prescribed medical regimes (adherence). RESULTS Correlations were found between children's trust beliefs in physicians, mothers' trust beliefs in physicians, adherence, and quality of life. Structural equation modelling analyses confirmed that (a) children's trust beliefs in physicians predicted their adherence and quality of life and (b) there were reciprocal predictive relations between the children's and mothers' trust beliefs in physicians. CONCLUSIONS The findings yield support for the conclusions that (a) trust beliefs in physicians by children with asthma promote their adherence and quality of life and (b) socialization of trust beliefs in physicians is a mutual mother-child process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serena Petrocchi
- Institute of Communication and Health, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
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Ma F, Heyman GD, Xiao L, Xu F, Compton BJ, Lee K. Modesty can promote trust: Evidence from China. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Ma
- Department of Psychology; Zhejiang Sci-Tech University; Hangzhou China
| | - Gail D. Heyman
- Department of Psychology; University of California San Diego; La Jolla California
- Department of Psychology; Zhejiang Normal University; Jinhua China
| | - Li Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning; Beijing Normal University; Beijing China
| | - Fen Xu
- Department of Psychology; Zhejiang Sci-Tech University; Hangzhou China
| | - Brian J. Compton
- Department of Psychology; Zhejiang Normal University; Jinhua China
| | - Kang Lee
- Institute of Child Study; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Psychology; Zhejiang Normal University; Jinhua China
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36
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Cotterell N, Buffel T, Phillipson C. Preventing social isolation in older people. Maturitas 2018; 113:80-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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It is all in their mind: A review on information processing bias in lonely individuals. Clin Psychol Rev 2017; 58:97-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Chen H, Li X, Li B, Huang A. Negative trust and depression among female sex workers in Western China: The mediating role of thwarted belongingness. Psychiatry Res 2017; 256:448-452. [PMID: 28709059 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Female sex workers are at high risk for depression in China but they are understudied and underserved. Based on cognitive models of depression, dysfunctional beliefs about oneself and others may act as vulnerability factors for depression. However, the association between negative trust and depression is still under debate. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that negative trust positively relates to depression through thwarted belongingness among female sex workers. Four hundred and fifty-seven participants completed measures of negative trust, thwarted belongingness, and depression. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses showed that both negative trust and thwarted belongingness significantly positively predicted depression, and thwarted belongingness was positively predicted by negative trust. The results from the mediation analysis suggest that thwarted belongingness might be an underlying mechanism linking negative trust and depression. Psychological interventions could focus on helping female sex workers form and strengthen meaningful social connectedness (the behavioral/observable indicators of the constructs of thwarted belongingness).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400715, China
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39
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Li Q, Heyman GD, Mei J, Lee K. Judging a Book by Its Cover: Children's Facial Trustworthiness as Judged by Strangers Predicts Their Real‐World Trustworthiness and Peer Relationships. Child Dev 2017; 90:562-575. [DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gail D. Heyman
- Zhejiang Normal University
- University of California, San Diego
| | | | - Kang Lee
- Zhejiang Normal University
- University of Toronto
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40
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Pitula CE, Wenner JA, Gunnar MR, Thomas KM. To trust or not to trust: social decision-making in post-institutionalized, internationally adopted youth. Dev Sci 2017; 20. [PMID: 27089448 PMCID: PMC5069074 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic parental maltreatment has been associated with lower levels of interpersonal trust, and depriving environments have been shown to predict short-sighted, risk-averse decision-making. The present study examined whether a circumscribed period of adverse care occurring only early in life was associated with biases in trust behavior. Fifty-three post-institutionalized (PI) youth, adopted internationally on average by 1 year of age, and 33 never-institutionalized, non-adopted youth (Mage = 12.9 years) played a trust game. Participants decided whether or not to share coins with a different anonymous peer in each trial with the potential to receive a larger number of coins in return. Trials were presented in blocks that varied in the degree to which the peers behaved in a trustworthy (reciprocal) or untrustworthy (non-reciprocal) manner. A comparison condition consisted of a computerized lottery with the same choices and probabilistic risk as the peer trials. Non-adopted comparison youth showed a tendency to share more with peers than to invest in the lottery and tended to maintain their level of sharing across trials despite experiencing trials in which peers failed to reciprocate. In contrast, PI children, particularly those who were adopted over 1 year of age, shared less with peers than they invested in the lottery and quickly adapted their sharing behavior to peers' responses. These results suggest that PI youth were more mistrusting, more sensitive to both defection and reciprocation, and potentially more accurate in their trusting decisions than comparison youth. Results support the presence of a sensitive period for the development of trust in others, whereby conditions early in life may set long-term biases in decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clio E Pitula
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Megan R Gunnar
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, USA
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41
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The lonely road to paranoia. A path-analytic investigation of loneliness and paranoia. Compr Psychiatry 2017; 74:35-43. [PMID: 28092774 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness and paranoia are related, but the mechanisms that link them to each other remain unclear. Systematic reviews on loneliness propose a social-cognitive model in which loneliness leads to negative evaluations of other persons and a lack of interpersonal trust. However, the data discussed in these reviews are based on healthy individuals. Building on this model, the present study investigated 1) whether negative interpersonal schemata mediate the association between loneliness and paranoia and 2) whether a low level of perceived social support and less frequent social contact are related to loneliness. Using a cross-sectional design, sixty-five participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were recruited online and completed questionnaire-based measures of loneliness, paranoia, negative interpersonal schemata, perceived social support and frequency of social contact. Data were analyzed taking a path-analytic approach. The association between loneliness and paranoia was significantly and fully mediated by negative schemata of others. Moreover, a low level of perceived social support was significantly associated with loneliness, whereas self-reported frequency of social contact was not. The present results highlight the potential role of interpersonal negative schemata in the formation and maintenance of paranoia and elucidate the crucial role of loneliness in the way individuals construe themselves within a social environment.
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Venta A, Hatkevich C, Sharp C, Rotenberg K. Low Emotional Trust in Mothers is Associated with Increased Suicide Attempts in Inpatient Adolescents with Depressive Symptoms. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2017.36.3.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Lamster F, Nittel C, Rief W, Mehl S, Lincoln T. The impact of loneliness on paranoia: An experimental approach. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2017; 54:51-57. [PMID: 27362838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Loneliness is a common problem in patients with schizophrenia, and may be particularly linked with persecutory ideation. Nevertheless, its role as a potential risk factor in the formation and maintenance of persecutory delusions is largely unexplored. METHODS Loneliness was experimentally manipulated using a false-feedback paradigm in a non-clinical sample (n = 60). Change in state paranoia was compared between the induction of increased loneliness, the induction of reduced loneliness and a control condition. Distinct associations between pre-post scores of loneliness and state paranoia were examined at three (medium/high/low) levels of proneness to psychosis across the experimental conditions. RESULTS Reduction of loneliness was associated with a significant reduction of present paranoid beliefs, while induction of loneliness lead to more pronounced paranoia on trend significance level. Moreover, proneness to psychosis significantly moderated the impact of loneliness on paranoia. Persons with a pronounced level of proneness to psychosis showed a stronger reduction of paranoid beliefs as a consequence of a decrease in loneliness, than less prone individuals. LIMITATIONS A limitation is the small size of our sample, which may have limited the power to detect significant within-group changes in state paranoia in the high-loneliness condition and changes in loneliness in the low-loneliness condition. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the feasibility of the experimental design to manipulate loneliness and suggest that loneliness could be a cause of paranoia. However, the findings need to be confirmed in high risk samples to draw conclusions about the role of loneliness in the genesis of clinically relevant levels of paranoia and derive implications for cognitive behaviour therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Lamster
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Clara Nittel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmannstr. 8, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Mehl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmannstr. 8, 35037 Marburg, Germany; Department of Social Work and Health, Frankfurt University of Applied Science, Nibelungenplatz 1, 60143 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tania Lincoln
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University Hamburg, von-Melle-Park 5, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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Nyqvist F, Victor CR, Forsman AK, Cattan M. The association between social capital and loneliness in different age groups: a population-based study in Western Finland. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:542. [PMID: 27400659 PMCID: PMC4940959 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3248-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies of loneliness have largely focused on establishing risk factors in specific age groups such as in later life or in young people. Researchers have paid less attention to the link between social capital and loneliness across different age groups. The aim of this study was to examine the association between social capital and experienced loneliness in different age groups in a Finnish setting. Methods The data originates from a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted among 4618 people aged 15–80 in Western Finland in 2011. The response rate was 46.2 %. The association between social capital, measured by frequency of social contacts, participation in organisational activities, trust and sense of belonging to the neighbourhood and loneliness was tested by logistic regression analyses stratified by four age groups. Results Frequent loneliness (defined as experienced often or sometimes) was higher among younger people (39.5 %) compared to older people (27.3 %). Low levels of trust were linked to loneliness in all four age groups. The association between other aspects of social capital and loneliness varied across age groups. Conclusions Frequent loneliness is common among the general adult population and could be seen as a public health issue. Our findings imply that low social capital, especially in terms of low trust, may be a risk factor for loneliness. However, further research is needed to assess the influence of poor health and reverse causality as explanations for the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrica Nyqvist
- Åbo Akademi University, Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Study Programme of Social Sciences, Social Policy, PB 311, 65101, Vaasa, Finland.
| | - Christina R Victor
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Anna K Forsman
- Åbo Akademi University, Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Study Programme of Social Sciences, Developmental Psychology, Vaasa, Finland
| | - Mima Cattan
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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45
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Luhmann M, Hawkley LC. Age differences in loneliness from late adolescence to oldest old age. Dev Psychol 2016; 52:943-59. [PMID: 27148782 DOI: 10.1037/dev0000117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Contrary to common stereotypes, loneliness is not restricted to old age but can occur at any life stage. In this study, we used data from a large, nationally representative German study (N = 16,132) to describe and explain age differences in loneliness from late adolescence to oldest old age. The age distribution of loneliness followed a complex nonlinear trajectory, with elevated loneliness levels among young adults and among the oldest old. The late-life increase in loneliness could be explained by lower income levels, higher prevalence of functional limitations, and higher proportion of singles in this age group. Consistent with an age-normative perspective, the association of income, relationship status, household size, and work status with loneliness differed between different age groups. In contrast, indicators of the quantity of social relationships (social engagement, number of friends, contact frequency) were universally associated with loneliness regardless of age. Overall, these findings show that sources of loneliness in older adults are well understood. Future research should focus on understanding the specific sources of loneliness in middle-aged adults. (PsycINFO Database Record
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46
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Knowles ML, Lucas GM, Baumeister RF, Gardner WL. Choking under social pressure: social monitoring among the lonely. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2016; 41:805-21. [PMID: 25956799 DOI: 10.1177/0146167215580775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lonely individuals may decode social cues well but have difficulty putting such skills to use precisely when they need them--in social situations. In four studies, we examined whether lonely people choke under social pressure by asking participants to complete social sensitivity tasks framed as diagnostic of social skills or nonsocial skills. Across studies, lonely participants performed worse than nonlonely participants on social sensitivity tasks framed as tests of social aptitude, but they performed just as well or better than the nonlonely when the same tasks were framed as tests of academic aptitude. Mediational analyses in Study 3 and misattribution effects in Study 4 indicate that anxiety plays an important role in this choking effect. This research suggests that lonely individuals may not need to acquire social skills to escape loneliness; instead, they must learn to cope with performance anxiety in interpersonal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gale M Lucas
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Samson K, Kostyszyn P. Effects of cognitive load on trusting behavior--an experiment using the trust game. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127680. [PMID: 26010489 PMCID: PMC4444268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Last decades have witnessed a progressing decline of social trust, which has been predominantly linked to worsening economic conditions and increasing social inequality. In the present research we propose a different type of explanation for the observed decline - cognitive load related to technological development and the accelerating pace of modern life. In an experimental study participants played the trust game while performing one of two different secondary tasks - listening to a disturbing noise or memorizing a sequence of characters - or with no additional task in the control condition. Results show that in both cognitive load conditions participants expressed significantly less trust in the trust game than in case of no cognitive load. Additionally, when cognitive resources were limited, participants' behavior was more impulsive than when their resources were fully available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Samson
- The Robert B. Zajonc Institute for Social Studies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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48
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Gordon HM, Lyon TD, Lee K. Social and cognitive factors associated with children's secret-keeping for a parent. Child Dev 2014; 85:2374-88. [PMID: 25291258 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This study examined children's secret-keeping for a parent and its relation to trust, theory of mind, secrecy endorsement, and executive functioning (EF). Children (N = 107) between 4 and 12 years of age participated in a procedure wherein parents broke a toy and asked children to promise secrecy. Responses to open-ended and direct questions were examined. Overall, secret-keeping increased with age and promising to keep the secret was related to fewer disclosures in open-ended questioning. Children who kept the secret in direct questioning exhibited greater trust and better parental ratings of EF than children who disclosed the secret. Findings highlight the importance of both social and cognitive factors in secret-keeping development.
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49
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Verhagen M, van Roekel E, Engels RCME. Involvement of the BDNF gene in loneliness in adolescence: a report of opposite gene effects in boys and girls. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92768. [PMID: 24647525 PMCID: PMC3960275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown that loneliness has a heritable component and that genes within the serotonin-, dopamine-, and oxytocin systems are related to loneliness in adolescence. In the present study, the relation between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and loneliness in adolescent boys and girls was examined in a longitudinal study spanning five annual waves (N = 305). Latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) was used to examine the baseline level and the change in loneliness over time. The main finding was that the BDNF gene was not related to loneliness in the total sample. A BDNF by sex interaction was found, in that Met carrying girls had the highest levels of loneliness at baseline, whereas in boys the ValVal genotype was related to higher levels of loneliness. Our results underline the importance of sex-stratified analyses when examining effects of the BDNF genotype and the necessity of conducting gene studies to intermediate phenotypes of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Verhagen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Eeske van Roekel
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Interdisciplinary Center of Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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50
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Rotenberg KJ, Qualter P, Holt NL, Harris RA, Henzi P, Barrett L. When Trust Fails: The Relation Between Children’s Trust Beliefs in Peers and their Peer Interactions in a Natural Setting. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 42:967-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s10802-013-9835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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