The Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Loneliness and Life Satisfaction in Late Adulthood: Evidence from Poland

The Functional Efficiency of Older Patients after Lumbar Spine Surgery, the Impact of Pain, and the Passage of Time: Tips for Care Providers

Chronic back pain in adults is often a cause of absenteeism from work, limitations in social interactions, and difficulties in performing daily activities. This study aimed to check whether the functioning of everyday activities in elderly patients after neurosurgery improved over time compared to their condition before the procedure and whether there is a connection between fitness, self-esteem, and pain intensity. This was a cross-sectional study carried out using an anonymous survey. This study included patients over 60 years of age from the neurosurgical ward. The following scales were used to assess cognitive functioning, depression, functional status: basic and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), back pain disability (QBPDS), pain intensity, and self-esteem. The level of independence in terms of IADL and QBPDS increased, and the intensity of pain decreased. Surgery reduced pain intensity from 8 ± 0.8 to 6.1 ± 1.4 points. The level of self-esteem (RSES) remained at a low level. The passage of time after neurosurgical treatment has a beneficial effect on reducing pain intensity and increasing independence in life activities. Daily physical activity and rehabilitation are important factors supporting the return to independence.

Rural-urban differences in older adults' life satisfaction and its determining factors

Although determinants of life satisfaction in older adults have been well documented, research has to date failed to fully address the experience of older adults living in places with different levels of urbanization. Furthermore, there are conflictive findings regarding the type of residence environment that offers the greatest benefits for the wellbeing of older adults. Our study proposes an integrative research model to determine the nature of the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction, with a particular focus on the living environment (rural-urban) of the older adults. Using a cross-sectional survey design volunteers (aged 60+) from rural (n = 198) and urban (n = 198) in Galicia (Spain) completed a questionnaire. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction and multigroup analysis was performed to analyse the existence of differences in the relationships based on the area of residence of older adults. We found that higher levels of loneliness were a significant predictor of reduced life satisfaction and reduced self-esteem. Self-esteem not only increases life satisfaction, but also reduces the negative impact loneliness may have on it. Where the older adults lived had a significant effect on the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction. The relationships were stronger for older adults living in urban areas. Differentiated policy initiatives should be considered, depending on the area of residence in order to increase the life satisfaction of older adults.

Psychosocial Problems in Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Changing lifestyles, health care, growing age, and life expectancy have contributed to the occurrence of old age in communities. The elderly population are rising who are aged 60 or older in the present scenario. They are more prone to psychosocial problems such as stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, and anxiety. These problems impact their psychological health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at selected communities of Amritsar, Punjab. A total of 200 older adults were involved using the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a predesigned sociodemographic pro forma and a five-point Likert scale to assess psychosocial problems among the elderly. The data collection method employed was interviewed. In the psychosocial problems assessment tool, a total of 35 items were included, which were further categorized as follows: no psychosocial problem (0-35), mild psychosocial problem (36-70), moderate psychosocial problem (71-105), and severe psychosocial problem (106-140).

RESULTS

The average age of the older adults was 69.31 ± 6.63 years, 65.5% were males and 34.5% were females. Regarding psychosocial problems, 69% had moderate, 16% had mild, 10.5% severe, and 4.5% had no problems. The median score was 90 (18). The median score was 17.50 (7) for stress, 38 (17.75) for loneliness, 18 (7.75) for anxiety, and 14 (7) for self-esteem. All the four domains, stress, loneliness, anxiety, and self-esteem, had a statistically significant relationship (P < 0.01). A statistically significant association was found between self-esteem, type of family, and anxiety with educational level.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that older adults in communities have significant psychosocial problems such as stress, loneliness, self-esteem, and anxiety. Collaboratively, health professionals, local community leaders, and social workers can formulate and execute a health awareness campaign to avoid these issues that cause the aged much anguish.

The Individual and Combined Effects of Social Networks and Loneliness on Life Satisfaction among Community-Dwelling Residing Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study

Social networks and loneliness are correlates of life satisfaction in old age. However, the evidence of the combined effects of social isolation and loneliness on life satisfaction is lacking; therefore, this study also aimed to investigate the combined effects of social networks and loneliness on life satisfaction in Malaysian older adults. Data from two waves of the "Neuroprotective Model for Healthy Longevity among Malaysian Older Adults" study were extracted. The first wave of data collection was completed in February 2013, while the second wave was conducted three years after the first wave. The main statistical analysis used was multivariable logistic regression. For individual effect, social networks (B = 0.375, p = 0.007), but not loneliness (B = -0.178, p = 0.368) significantly determined life satisfaction. Increasing social network size causes increasing life satisfaction. For combined effects, those in "the lone farmers" group (B = 0.279, p = 0.044) and "the majority" group (B = -0.413, p = 0.004) were linked to life satisfaction. Social engagement in older people is important for wellbeing in later life. Therefore, community programs and investing in a quality relationship should be encouraged to obtain adequate support and ultimately promote higher life satisfaction.

Impact of partner phubbing on negative emotions: a daily diary study of mitigating factors

Interactions between romantic partners may be disturbed by a co-present mobile phone use when a partner ignores their interaction partner in favor of a smartphone. This common practice, called phubbing, promotes social rejection and exclusion, hence the partner who gets phubbed may report negative emotional experiences. However, these experiences may be buffered by a cognitive perception mechanism, when the partner’s behavior is still perceived as responsive (i.e., understanding or validating). Thus, we hypothesize that feeling understood or validated moderate the link between phubbing intensity and negative emotions. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a daily diary study over seven days, using a sample of N = 133 participants living with their partner. Multilevel modeling was applied, to examine between- and within-person processes. The findings indicate that perception of the partner as understanding and validating, despite the co-present mobile phone use, reduces the negative emotional experiences during phubbing, and the interaction effects indicate nuances between phubbing and understanding and validation by partner, which extend our theoretical comprehension and distinguish between the two as separate relationship-related constructs. Our research provides a unique insight into how mechanisms related to couple interactions may reduce negative experiences, a finding that may be useful in future interventions and couples' therapy.

How is grandparenting linked to life satisfaction among community-dwelling older migrants in Nanjing, China: The mediating role of loneliness and self-esteem

Grandparenting is a crucial part of family child care. This study aims to examine the effect of grandparenting on the life satisfaction of community-dwelling older migrants, and attempts to explore the psychological mechanisms linking them. A total of 723 participants were recruited. The PROCESS Model 6 was used to complete the mediation analysis. The mediating effect was significant if the 95%CI did not contain zero. Results indicated that grandparenting was positively associated with migrants' life satisfaction (r=0.223, p<0.001). Loneliness and self-esteem significantly mediated this relationship, with mediating effects of 0.287 (95%CI: 0.072, 0.563) and 1.127 (95%CI: 0.648, 1.622), respectively. Grandparenting affects life satisfaction either directly, or indirectly by reducing loneliness and enhancing self-esteem.

Self-Efficacy, Self-Love, and Fear of Compassion Mediate the Effect of Attachment Styles on Life Satisfaction: A Serial Mediation Analysis

This study examined the effect of attachment styles on the life satisfaction of adults and the serial mediating effect of self-efficacy, self-love, and fear of compassion in this effect for the first time in the literature to the best of our knowledge. The study group consisted of a total of 639 adults. As a result of the study, it is seen that secure attachment affects life satisfaction positively. This process is mediated by the variables of high self-efficacy, high self-love, and low fear of compassion. However, avoidant attachment seems to negatively affect life satisfaction. This process is mediated by low self-efficacy, low self-love, and high fear of compassion variables. Apart from these results, it was observed that anxious-ambivalent attachment negatively affected life satisfaction, but this relationship was not mediated by self-efficacy, self-love, and fear of compassion. This result may be due to the fact that people with anxious-ambivalent attachment style perceive others positively despite seeing themselves as worthless and inadequate. These people may not want to show compassion for themselves because they have low self-worth, but they may show compassion for others because they find them valuable.

Social loneliness and perceived stress among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Older age has been considered a risk factor for physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet many middle-aged and older adults showed resilience. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the protective factors against social loneliness and perceived stress among Turkish middle-aged and older adults. The data were collected from 464 adults aged 55 and above when the curfew restrictions were still in place. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that resilience, life satisfaction, self-esteem, satisfaction with social support and internet use negatively predicted both social loneliness and stress. The extent of curfew measures, which were more restrictive for the elderly, did not predict social loneliness and stress. The participants living alone showed higher social loneliness and those with chronic disease reported more stress. Results highlight the significant role of protective factors in enhancing well-being and coping in old age under highly stressful situations such as the pandemic.

Life Satisfaction among Older Adults in Rural and Urban Mongolia: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Introduction

Life satisfaction is a strong indicator of well-being for older adults. In this study, we aimed to assess the level and correlates of life satisfaction among older adults in urban and rural Mongolia.

Methods

We recruited 304 community-dwelling older adults in urban and rural regions of Mongolia. We compared levels of life satisfaction for the two groups, and then used hierarchical regression to examine the association of sociodemographic, health, psychosocial factors, and urban/rural status with life satisfaction.

Results

Older adults in urban areas reported higher levels of life satisfaction than their rural counterparts. In the final step of the hierarchical regression model, more grandchildren in the household, better self-rated health, and reporting more positive than negative affect were associated with better life satisfaction at p < 0.05 as were engaging in paid work and lower levels of loneliness at p < 0.10. Net the effects of all other variables in the analysis, older adults in rural areas reported lower levels of life satisfaction.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that living in rural areas of Mongolia leads to lower levels of life satisfaction. We identify potential points to intervene through policies, programs, and practices that target the strengths and needs of older adults in rural areas by addressing inequities in socioeconomics, health, mental health, and opportunities for social integration.

Loneliness and depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men in China: A cross-sectional study

Background

While psychosocial problems and their related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) have been well documented in developed countries, there are still not many studies addressing this issue in China and the results are inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of loneliness and depressive symptoms among MSM, examine their associated factors, and investigate potential factors moderating the link between depressive symptoms and loneliness.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Taizhou of Zhejiang Province in China between April and November 2021. Loneliness was assessed using the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3), and depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data from 655 MSM were eligible for analysis. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between independent variables and the outcomes of loneliness and depression. The interaction terms were added in the models to assess the moderating effects.

Results

Of the MSM sample, 13.28 and 7.48% perceived loneliness and reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, respectively. We found that participants who experienced loneliness were more likely to have younger age (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21, 0.93, 15-32 years as reference group), low social support (OR 3.60, 95% CI 2.14, 6.04), low self-esteem (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.45, 6.32) and moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (OR 5.45, 95% CI 2.66, 11.15). The participants with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were more likely to have low self-esteem (OR 6.78, 95% CI 3.08, 14.95) and feelings of loneliness (OR 5.51, 95% CI 2.66, 11.40). Stratified analyzes showed that the magnitude of the associations between depressive symptoms and loneliness varied in MSM with different age, marital status, and self-esteem.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that we need to pay attention to feelings of loneliness and depressive symptoms and their closely associated factors such as social support and self-esteem among MSM in China. The MSM who were young, not married, and had low self-esteem were especially vulnerable to the impact of depressive symptoms on loneliness.

Relationship between Intergenerational Emotional Support and Subjective Well-Being among Elderly Migrants in China: The Mediating Role of Loneliness and Self-Esteem

With the augmentation of family migration, the number and proportion of elderly migrants have increased dramatically in China. The well-being of this group has a profound impact on the whole society. Subjective well-being is a comprehensive reflection of whether a person's needs are met. In this cross-sectional study, we established a multiple mediation model to evaluate the mediating effects of loneliness and self-esteem on intergenerational emotional support and, consequently, on subjective well-being in elderly migrants. The study population consisted of 728 elderly migrants living in Nanjing (Jiangsu, China), including 219 men (30.1%) and 509 women (69.9%). The participants' loneliness and self-esteem were measured using the R-UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Philadelphia Senior Center Confidence Scale. Multiple regression analyses revealed a significant correlation between intergenerational emotional support and subjective well-being, and mediation analysis revealed that intergenerational emotional support indirectly influenced subjective well-being through three mediators: loneliness (mediating effect, 0.149), self-esteem (mediating effect, 0.136), and loneliness and self-esteem (mediating effect, 0.041). We conclude that loneliness and self-esteem mediate the relationship between intergenerational emotional support and subjective well-being in elderly migrants and can be regulated to improve elderly migrants' subjective well-being. Great attention should be paid to the emotional needs of elderly migrants, and communication and exchange with elderly migrants should be emphasized to enhance their subjective sense of well-being.

The effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and hands-on horticultural activities on mastery, achievement motives, self-esteem, isolation and depression: a quasi-experimental study

Background

Aging societies are a public health concern worldwide. It is critical to develop strategies that harness technology to enhance older adults’ mastery, achievement motives, self-esteem, isolation and depression effectively.

Methods

This study aimed to explore the effects of a combination of three-dimensional virtual reality (VR) and hands-on horticultural activities on the psychological well-being of community-dwelling older adults. We used a quasi-experimental design. A total of 62 community-dwelling older adults were recruited and assigned to the experimental (n = 32) and comparison groups (n = 30). The members of the experimental group participated in an 8-week intervention program. Participants of both groups completed before-and-after intervention measurements for outcome variables that included perceived self-esteem, depression, isolation, and mastery and achievement motives, which were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation (GEE). A baseline score of depression was used as an adjustment for the GEE analyses to eliminate the effects of depression on outcomes.

Results

After controlling age and gender as confounders, GEE analyses indicated that the experimental group showed significant post-intervention improvements in scores for self-esteem (β = 2.18, P = .005) and mastery (β = 1.23, P = .039), compared to the control group.

Conclusions

This study supported a combination of three-dimensional VR and hands-on horticultural activities on community-dwelling older adults to improve self-esteem and mastery. The findings suggest that the future implementation of a similar program would be feasible and beneficial to community-dwelling older adults.

Trial registration

The study was posted on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05087654) on 21/10/2021. It was approved by the Institutional Review Board of En Chu Kong Hospital and performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

The prospective relationship between loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

Aim

Mental wellbeing in the UK seems to have deteriorated significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the rates of loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress taking longer to return to the pre-pandemic levels than elsewhere. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge about the interactions between these outcomes, or the factors that played a role in the rates of change. The current study aims to address this gap by simultaneously investigating changes in loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress in the UK from pre-pandemic levels to those between April and November 2020, while critically assessing the role of a range of social ecological influencing factors.

Subject and Methods

Longitudinal data from Understanding Society (N=3475) were used to explore the changes in loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress from pre-pandemic levels (2017-2019) through November 2020, the interactions between these outcomes, and the role of individual, social, community and geographic factors in the rates of change, using multivariate latent growth curve model.

Results

Loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress deteriorated minimally between April and November 2020, compared to the pre-pandemic levels (2017-2019), while the rate of change in each outcome influenced the rates of change in the other two. Key individual (age, gender, physical health), social (number of friends and similarity to them), and environmental (neighbourhood quality) variables influenced baseline scores and the rates of change.

Conclusion

Considering significant dynamic associations between loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress, we argue that interventions to tackle any one of the outcomes may have beneficial effects on others, while highlighting malleable factors and individual and community-level interventions to tackle loneliness.

The relationship among aging in place, loneliness, and life satisfaction in the elderly in Turkey

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between aging in place, loneliness, and life satisfaction in older people.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The descriptive and cross-sectional study has used the Aging in Place Scale (APS), the Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS), and the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly (LSFE). The study was examined the correlation among APS, LSS, and LSFE.

FINDING

In our study, when we examined the subscales of the APS scale, we found that the perceived social support, physical competence, and achievable social support of the elderly were at a high level. These high levels led to increased life satisfaction and decreased loneliness.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The results obtained in this study are particularly important for highlighting the importance of aging in place in reducing loneliness, which has a negative impact on the mental health of the elderly, and in shedding light on increasing life satisfaction in the later stages of life.

The Association of Self-Esteem with the Level of Independent Functioning and the Primary Demographic Factors in Persons over 60 Years of Age

Self-esteem reflects the way we see ourselves. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship among self-esteem, bio-psycho-social functioning, and sociodemographic conditions in the elderly. The study included 300 individuals over 60 years of age living in their home environment. The employed research tools included the Abbreviated Mental Test Score, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and EASYCare Standard 2010 questionnaire involving the following scales: independence score, risk of breakdown in care, and risk of falls. Results: The average score achieved by the study group according to the RSES scale was 29.9 ± 5.6 points. In addition, the study group presented a low risk of independence loss (independence score 13.3 ± 18.1), risk of breakdown in care (4.4 ± 2.4), and risk of falls (1.8 ± 1.6). The conducted multivariate analysis demonstrated that a significant (p < 0.05) negative predictor of low self-esteem was education below the secondary level, a poor financial condition, and functional limitations in domain I (seeing, hearing, and communicating skills) of the EASYCare Standard 2010 questionnaire. A relationship was found between self-esteem and the level of bio-psycho-social functioning, as well as between education and the financial situation. The results demonstrate that even successfully ageing individuals require a regular assessment of their functional status and individually adapted support in order to maintain independence and to increase their self-esteem.