Related Experiment Videos
Loneliness and adjustment to old age
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Loneliness in older adults is linked to poor psychological adjustment and relationship dissatisfaction. It also hinders rebuilding social support after events like widowhood, showing maladaptive behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Loneliness is a significant concern in aging populations.
- Understanding the multifaceted impacts of loneliness is crucial for geriatric care.
- Previous research highlights social isolation's negative effects on well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between loneliness and psychological adjustment in older adults.
- To explore how loneliness affects social relationships and support network restoration.
- To identify behavioral patterns associated with loneliness in later life.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the revised UCLA Loneliness Scale to measure loneliness.
- Examined two distinct samples of older adults.
- Assessed psychological adjustment, relationship satisfaction, fears, expectations, and personality traits.
Main Results:
- Loneliness correlated with poor overall psychological adjustment.
- Dissatisfaction with family and social relationships was linked to loneliness.
- Loneliness was associated with fears, expectations, and personality traits hindering support network restoration post-widowhood.
- Loneliness correlated with maladaptive behaviors like failing to plan for old age or engage in social comparison.
Conclusions:
- Loneliness in older adults is a complex issue impacting psychological health and social functioning.
- Interventions should address not only the feeling of loneliness but also associated behavioral and psychological factors.
- Addressing loneliness may involve strategies to improve psychological adjustment and facilitate social support network rebuilding.