Antecedents Of Loneliness Research Articles

The antecedents of loneliness in older people with an intellectual disability

IntroductionThe cognitive discrepancy approach to loneliness is often used to describe loneliness in ageing populations, but to date, it has never been used to explore loneliness in older people with an intellectual disability. An analysis is needed utilising a refined list of causes of loneliness in this population. MethodUsing data from a nationally representative dataset of people aged over 40 with an intellectual disability (N = 708), this analysis runs repeated regressions of variables grouped into conceptual blocks, organised from sociodemographic to network quality. ResultsVariables selected predicted 23% of the loneliness variance. Functional limitations, education, working in the community, transport difficulties, pain, stress caused by service change, emotional health problems and confiding were all significant predictors of loneliness. ConclusionThat for those with fewer functional limitations only transport difficulties precipitated loneliness, suggests living a more independent life protects from loneliness, in this group. Those with functional limitations and who lead a more service dependent life appear more exposed to loneliness precipitating variables.

Associations between the dimensions of perceived togetherness, loneliness, and depressive symptoms among older Finnish people

ABSTRACTObjectives: We studied the associations between perceived togetherness, depressive symptoms, and loneliness over a six-month period among 222 people aged 75–79 who reported loneliness or depressive mood at baseline.Method: The present cross-lagged models utilized baseline and six-month follow-up data of a randomized controlled trial that examined the effects of a social intervention on loneliness and depression (ISRCTN78426775). Dimensions of perceived togetherness, i.e. attachment, social integration, guidance, alliance, nurturance, and reassurance of worth, were measured with the Social Provisions Scale, depressive symptoms with a short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale, and loneliness with a single item.Results: After controlling for baseline loneliness and depressive symptoms, baseline higher attachment in all participants and baseline higher opportunity for nurturance in the social intervention group predicted lower depressive mood at follow-up. No cross-lagged associations between the dimensions of perceived togetherness at baseline and loneliness at follow-up were observed. In addition, depressive symptoms and loneliness at baseline tended to negatively predict the dimensions of perceived togetherness at follow-up.Discussion: Depressive symptoms and loneliness appear to be precursor for perceived togetherness, rather than dimensions of perceived togetherness to be antecedents of loneliness and depressiveness among older people.

The Self-Report Causes of Loneliness of Drug Users During Withdraw

Loneliness is generally a prevailing experience which is particularly familiar to adolescents and young adults. It is a subjective experience which is influenced by one's personality, life experiences, and situational variables. The present study examined the connection between drug cessation and the antecedents of loneliness. Drug abusers, during their stay in detox centers, were compared to drug abusers who participated in a methadone maintenance program and those two groups were compared to the general population who are non drug users. A total of 304 participants volunteered to answer a 30-item yes/no questionnaire, reflecting on their loneliness experiences and what caused them. The factors that comprise the causes of loneliness are: Personal inadequacies, Developmental deficits, Unfulfilling intimate relationships, Relocation/significant separations, and Social marginality. Results revealed significant differences between the scores of the three groups.

Determinants of Loneliness of Young Adult Drug Users

Loneliness is a subjective experience that is influenced by such variables as personality, life experiences, and situation. In the present study, the author examined the connection between the use of ecstasy (MDMA) and the antecedents of loneliness. MDMA users were compared with non-MDMA drug users and with a group of young adults in the general population who did not use drugs. A total of 818 participants from all 3 groups volunteered to answer a 30-item yes-no questionnaire reflecting on their experiences of loneliness and what caused them. Results showed that the predominant causes of loneliness were personal inadequacies, developmental deficits, unfulfilling intimate relationships, relocation or significant separations, and social marginality. There were significant differences between the scores of the MDMA users and scores of the other groups. Gender differences between and within groups were also examined.

Loneliness and Religiosity: In the World but Not of It

This study examined the relationship between loneliness and religiosity as well as the relationships between religiosity and variables associated with loneliness (e.g., the potential antecedents of loneliness and the nature of the loneliness experience). The sample consisted of 76 conservative believers, 80 nonconservative believers and 76 nonbelievers. These groups were defined by a measure of belief commitment and a second measure of how subjects interpreted the meaning of religious teachings (Literally, Antiliterally, or Mythologically). The three groups did not differ in their level of loneliness. They did differ, however, on some of the correlates of loneliness and in the nature of their loneliness experience. For example, the conservative religious respondents were apt to attribute their loneliness to supernatural causes and to use religious coping mechanisms. Religious individuals thus appear to be in the world but not of it.