The relationship between loneliness and childhood traumatic experiences among patients with late-life depression

The aims of this study are to investigate the relationship between loneliness and childhood traumatic experiences among patients with late-life depression (LLD) and to examine which subtypes of childhood trauma are more specifically associated with loneliness. We also explored whether family support modifies the association of interest.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in older adults aged 60 years or more with LLD but not in the acute stage. Questionnaires including Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), loneliness scale (UCLA version 3), and the Chinese version of the family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve (APGAR-C) were administered.

The 51 enrolled participants had a mean age of 68.7±6.2 years and a mean education of 10.5±4.0 years; 82.4% were female. After adjusting for potential confounders, loneliness score was positively associated with CTQ (ß = 0.45, p = 0.004). Among CTQ subtypes, emotional abuse (ß = 0.28, p = 0.033) and emotional neglect (ß = 0.32, p = 0.047) were significantly associated with loneliness whereas physical neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse were not. Perceived family support did not significantly moderate the association of interest; however, this null finding should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size, cross-sectional design, and the narrow family-centered assessment of social support.

Childhood emotional abuse and neglect are significantly associated with loneliness in patients with LLD. Clinical management of LLD should include assessments of early-life trauma to better tailor interventions aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness in this vulnerable population.