사회적 관계망이 독거노인의 고독감에 미치는 영향

Abstract

Focusing on the moderating effect of housing type, this study aimed to identify the influences of social network and housing type on loneliness among the elderly living alone. For the survey, this study recruited the elderly living alone (n=460) in Gyeongsangbuk-do providence, South Korea. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses found that the emotional and informational networks negatively influenced on the elderly’s loneliness regardless of housing type. As well, the analyses identified the moderating effect of housing type on the relationship between the social network and loneliness. Specifically, the instrumental network was strongly related to decreasing loneliness among non-homeowners; however, the social activity network was strongly associated with decreasing loneliness among homeowners. Following these findings, this study discussed the implications on social work practice for the elderly living alone.