De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale Research Articles

An exploratory psychometric network analysis of loneliness scales in a sample of older adults

To examine the relationships within and between commonly used measures of loneliness to determine the suitability of the measures in older adults. Further, to determine whether certain items in these measures are more psychometrically robust in terms of capturing different types of loneliness across this population. Data were obtained from 350 older adults via completion of an online survey. Four measures of loneliness were completed. These were the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale 4 (Version 3), the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (Short Version) and a direct measure of loneliness. Analysis via a regularized partial correlation network and via clique percolation revealed that only the SELSA-S encompassed loneliness relating to deficits in social, family and romantic relationships. The remaining measures tapped mostly into social loneliness alone. The direct measure of loneliness had the strongest connection to the UCLA item-4 and the de Jong Gierveld item-1 exhibited the strongest bridge centrality, being a member of the most clusters. The results indicate that should researchers be interested in assessing loneliness resulting from specific relationships, then the SELSA-S would be the most suitable measure. Whereas the other measures are suitable for assessing loneliness more generally. The results further suggest that the de Jong Gierveld item-1 may be a more suitable direct measure of loneliness than that currently employed as it taps into a greater number of relationships.

Loneliness as a Predictor of Hypertension in Older Adults: The TOPS Study

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between loneliness and hypertension in older people. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting(s): Tabriz, the capital city of the East Azerbaijan province in northwestern Iran. Participants: A representative sample of≥60-year-old community dwellers. A total of 1362 participants (768 females and 594 males) were selected using the probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method. Outcome Measures: Blood pressure, loneliness, and social support were assessed using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer, the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and the Duke Social Support Index (DSSI), respectively. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 81.0% among older adults (86.8% in women vs. 73.4% in men, P<0.001). In addition, 54% of respondents felt lonely. Loneliness was more prevalent in females than in males (58.7% vs. 47.9%, P<0.001). Hypertension was found to be associated with social loneliness score (OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.32), marital status (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.31 to 0.78), body mass index (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.07 to 1.15), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.56, 95% CI=1.03 to 2.31), and sleep quality score (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.06 to 1.19). Conclusions: Social loneliness is associated with an increased risk of hypertension in older people. This highlights the importance of addressing psychosocial factors, especially social loneliness, when managing hypertension in older adults.

COVID‐19 pandemic and the determinants of depressive symptoms among senior citizens of India: An empirical investigation

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic inflicted multiple threats to individuals' physical, mental, and financial health conditions. The pandemic‐related restrictive behaviors pose serious consequences for public health and increase the risk of mental illness among individuals, particularly among older citizens. The combination of their pre‐existing illnesses, social isolation, COVID fear, and financial adversity frequently aggravates their condition and leads to depression and mental illness. Thus, the present study investigates the mental health status and the determinants of depressive symptoms among older adults of Bhubaneswar during the COVID pandemic context. The study used the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15) to measure their depressive symptoms. The social isolation parameter is measured with the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Financial self‐efficacy, COVID‐19‐related psychological fear, and comorbidity health status are other determinants considered. A chi‐square test and multinomial logistic regression (MLR) models are adopted to find the probable risk factors that may influence depressive symptoms among older people. The results indicate that comorbidity health conditions, a social isolation mindset, and financial efficacy issues are the significant determinants that drive an older person towards different depression categories. The improvement of these influential factors can lead senior citizens to avoid any health emergency like COVID pandemic. In the event of a public health emergency, such as COVID pandemic, the government could use the study's findings to devise methods for assisting the elderly. Society as a whole should be aware of these findings, which can lead to depressive symptoms, and offer support to the elderly. Future research may concentrate on identifying the causes of depressive symptoms in different age groups or in the presence of specific comorbidity health conditions. Future research may also investigate the factors influencing depressive symptoms in a specific occupation.

The moderating effect of intergenerational relationships on the association between Internet engagement and mental well-being

Objective This study examined the moderating effect of intergenerational relationships on the association between Internet engagement and older Chinese adults’ mental well-being and whether this relationship and the moderating role of intergenerational relationships differs by age. Methods We collected survey data from 1,162 participants aged 60 and older. Using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) to measure life satisfaction, the Chinese version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale to evaluate loneliness, and the Intergenerational Relationship Quality Scale for Aging Chinese Parents (IRQS-AP) to assess intergenerational relationship quality. Two-stage least squares regression with interaction terms was used to examine the moderating effect of intergenerational relationships on the association between Internet engagement and mental well-being in different age groups. Results Higher levels of Internet engagement were significantly associated with better life satisfaction and lower loneliness in older adults, particularly for the young-old. Furthermore, the positive association between Internet engagement and mental well-being was stronger for older adults with conflicted or detached intergenerational relationships. Conclusions Encouraging and training older adults to use the Internet to shrink the digital divide, developing a sound Internet infrastructure, providing low-cost Internet services, particularly for the young-old with conflicted or detached intergenerational relationships, and the old-old.

The Influence of Coping Strategy, Loneliness, and Sleep Quality on Student’s Depression During Covid-19 Pandemic

This study aims to examine the effect of the variable coping strategy, loneliness, and sleep quality on symptoms of depression in college students during the Covid-19 pandemic. The authors hypothesized that coping strategy, loneliness, and sleep quality had significant effects on symptoms of depression in students during the Covid-19 pandemic. The population in this study was students who domiciled in Greater Jakarta and were undergoing online lectures during the Covid-19 pandemic. A sample of 203 students were recruited using purposive sampling. The measuring instrument consisted of the Beck Depression Inventory-II scale, The Brief COPE scale, the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale. We tested the validity of the instrument using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) technique. The data were analyzed using multiple regression techniques. The results of hypothesis testing indicated that four variables, namely problem-focused coping, emotional loneliness, social loneliness, and sleep quality, significantly influenced symptoms of depression. This study's results showed significant effects of coping strategy, loneliness, and sleep quality on depression symptoms in college students during the Covid-19 pandemic, 52.3%. Meanwhile, avoidant, emotionfocused, and socially-supported coping did not significantly affect students' depression symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mental health outcomes in older breast cancer survivors: Five-year follow-up from the CLIMB study

BackgroundThere is a lack of information on mental health outcomes for the increasing older population. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to assess depressive symptoms, loneliness, and apathy in older patients with breast cancer within the first 5 years after diagnosis. MethodsWomen aged ≥70 years with early-stage breast cancer were included. Multivariate linear mixed models were used to assess longitudinal changes in symptoms of depression (according to the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale), loneliness (according to the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale) and apathy (according to the Starkstein Apathy Scale) over time at 3, 9, 15, 27 and 60 months follow-up. ResultsIn total, 299 patients were included (mean [standard deviation (SD)] age: 75.8 [5.2] years). At 3 months follow-up, shortly after the acute treatment, 10% of patients had significant depressive symptoms, while loneliness and apathy were present in 31% and 41% of all patients, respectively. Depression, loneliness and apathy scores showed no clinically relevant changes over time in the whole cohort. Patients who received adjuvant systemic therapies (i.e. endocrine therapy and/or chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy (trastuzumab)) had similar mental health outcomes as those who did not. However, frail patients had more symptoms (p < 0.001) and were more prone to develop depressive symptoms over time than non-frail patients (p = 0.002). DiscussionDepression, loneliness and apathy were frequently observed in older women with breast cancer and did not change over time. Patients who received adjuvant systemic therapies had similar mental health outcomes as those who did not. However, frail patients were at higher risk to experience these symptoms.

Fluctuations in loneliness due to changes in frequency of social interactions among older adults: a weekly based diary study.

Loneliness functionally varies and is determined by the degree of interaction with others. We examined weekly fluctuations in reported loneliness as a function of frequency of social interactions in old age. We hypothesized that emotional and social components of loneliness would be related to different types of social relationships. Participants reported their feeling of loneliness and their social interaction quantity (frequency of meetings) via a weekly based diary, over 6 weeks. Diary study. The study included 55 older adults with different dwelling arrangements (M = 73.4, SD = 6.97). Measures of Loneliness (the De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale), Social Interaction and Contact, and sociodemographic parameters were used. Social and emotional loneliness fluctuated over the course of the 6-week study. Frequency of meeting friends was related to emotional loneliness and total feelings of loneliness. Frequency of meeting close/trusted figures was related to emotional loneliness which appeared the following week. Other variables were not associated with either changes in loneliness or its dimensions. Loneliness in old age is changeable. The emotional component of loneliness seems to be dominant in determining overall feelings of loneliness and is more sensitive to externally chosen social interaction.

Loneliness, Anxiety and Depression among Patients with Epilepsy

Introduction. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. The unpredictability of epileptic seizures can lead to feelings of loneliness, social isolation and stigmatisation. Due to the nature of this syndrome, patients may also show symptoms of depression.&#x0D; Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression and loneliness, and the relationship between loneliness and depression among adult patients with epilepsy.&#x0D; Material and Methods. This was a cross-sectional, observational study. A total of 206 patients with epilepsy participated in the study. The study was conducted using a website dedicated for persons with epilepsy. Data was collected from November 2021 to March 2022. Two research tools were used in the study: DeJong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-M) and an author-developed demographic questionnaire to characterise the study group.&#x0D; Results. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and borderline abnormalities was 51.5%, 22.8%, respectively. In the depression subscale, 48.1% of the respondents had depressive symptoms and 22.1% had borderline abnormalities. The anxiety and irritability subscales showed disorders in 34.5% and 69.4% of the respondents, respectively. A very high and high level of loneliness was found in 17% and 26% of respondents, respectively. A moderate level of loneliness was reported by 40% of respondents. In terms of emotional loneliness, severe and moderate loneliness affected 52% and 21% of respondents, while severe and moderate social loneliness was reported by 41% and 28% of respondents.&#x0D; Conclusions. The study showed relatively high levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms. A significant correlation was found between the level of loneliness and the intensity of depressive symptoms. (JNNN 2023;12(1):34–43)

Loneliness among Chilean indigenous women: Family, community, and socio-cultural integration as protective factors

This study examined the incidence of loneliness among Chilean indigenous older adult women (106 Aymara and 180 Mapuche) and how family, community and socio-cultural integration are associated with lower levels of loneliness. A cross-sectional study involving 800 older adults living in a rural context in Chile, of whom 35.8% were indigenous women. The De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS-6) were used to assess loneliness and a questionnaire about the maintenance of certain indigenous cultural practices was created. The descriptive findings indicate more loneliness among Mapuche women. Moreover, hierarchical regression models confirmed that women who did not live alone, who participated in social groups and who maintained cultural practices reported lower levels of loneliness, with notable transmission of indigenous knowledge to their children. While, taking part in the indigenous New Year, leading or organizing a ceremony and receiving attention with a health cultural agent were associated with more loneliness. These seemingly contradictory findings are discussed and may be explained by religious changes in indigenous communities; however, this study would confirm that social integration in different dimensions is a protective factor against loneliness.

The longitudinal relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline in tonal language-speaking older adults in China.

Previous longitudinal studies indicate that hearing loss and cognitive impairment are associated in non-tonal language-speaking older adults. This study aimed to investigate whether there is a longitudinal association between hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults who speak a tonal language. Chinese-speaking older adults aged 60 years and above were recruited for baseline and 12 month follow-up measurements. All participants completed a pure tone audiometric hearing test, Hearing Impaired-Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (HI-MoCA), and a Computerized Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTAB). The De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale was used to measure loneliness, and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to measure aspects of mental health. Associations between baseline hearing loss and various cognitive, mental and psychosocial measures were evaluated using logistic regression. A total of 71 (29.6%) of the participants had normal hearing, 70 (29.2%) had mild hearing loss, and 99 (41.2%) had moderate or severe hearing loss at baseline, based on mean hearing thresholds in the better ear. After adjusting for demographic and other factors, baseline moderate/severe audiometric hearing loss was associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment at follow-up (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.06, 4.50). When pure-tone average (PTA) was modeled continuously, an average difference of 0.24 in HI-MoCA scores for every 10 dB increase in BE4FA existed, and an average difference of 0.07 in the change of HI-MoCA scores in a 12 month period. The results revealed a significant longitudinal relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline in this cohort of tonal language-speaking older adults. Steps should also be taken to incorporate hearing assessment and cognitive screening in clinical protocols for older adults 60 years and above in both hearing and memory clinics.

Loneliness and the degree of addiction to shopping and work among Polish women: the mediating role of depression

IntroductionThe rapid development of civilization is accompanied by many changes affecting human functioning. Technological development, wide access to positive stimuli and the neglect of emotional control and self-awareness in the learning process make it difficult for individuals to control their behavior. Such a loss of control is associated with the development of addictions. Therapists, doctors and researchers more and more often encounter cases of compulsive behavior focused on a specific activity - apart from gambling or playing computer or internet games, more and more often the subjects of preoccupation are compulsive shopping, sexual activities and work (workaholism).ObjectivesThe aim of the research was to try to define the mediating role of depression in the relationship between addiction to shopping and work and loneliness, understood in terms of general loneliness among Polish women.MethodsThe study was conducted among 556 women. The research was carried out with the use of the diagnostic survey method, using the questionnaire technique: the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, the Purchasing Behavior Scale, the Work Addiction Risk Test, Beck Depression Inventory and a questionnaire of our authorship.ResultsDepressiveness is a mediator in the relationship between the feeling of loneliness and the degree of addiction to shopping (β = -0.0246, z = -2.03, p = 0.043) and in the relationship between the feeling of loneliness and the degree of addiction to work (β = -0.0722, z = -4.002, p &lt; 0.001). The direct impact of the feeling of loneliness on the degree of addiction to shopping (p = 0.237) and work (p = 0.576) is statistically insignificant.ConclusionsIn the mediation model adopted, it was shown that depressiveness plays the role of a mediator between the feeling of loneliness and the degree of addiction to shopping and work. The increase in the level of depression increased the degree of addiction to shopping and work. The mediator’s participation lowered the level of the feeling of loneliness. Loneliness was not a significant predictor of addiction to shopping and work. There is a need to include activities aimed at identifying psychological factors influencing the occurrence of addictions to shopping and work among women. It seems important to be able to use psychological help when needed. It is also necessary to take institutional preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of behavioral addictions among women.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Loneliness, social isolation, depression and anxiety among the elderly in Shanghai: Findings from a longitudinal study

ObjectivesTo investigate the longitudinal associations between loneliness, social isolation, depression and anxiety in the elderly. MethodsA longitudinal cohort study was conducted among 634 older adults from three districts of Shanghai. Data were collected at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Loneliness and social isolation were measured using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the Lubben Social Network Scale respectively. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the subscales of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Logistic regression and negative binomial regression models were used to examine the associations. ResultsWe found that moderate to severe loneliness at baseline predicted higher depression scores 6 months later (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.12, 3.53], p=0.019), while higher depression scores at baseline predicted social isolation at follow-up (odds ratio (OR)=1.14, 95% CI [1.03, 1.27], p=0.012). We also observed that higher anxiety scores predicted lower risk of social isolation (OR=0.87, 95% CI [0.77, 0.98], p=0.021). Additionally, persistent loneliness at both timepoints was significantly associated with higher depression scores at follow-up, and persistent social isolation was associated with a greater likelihood of having moderate to severe loneliness and higher depression scores at follow-up. ConclusionsLoneliness was found to be a robust predictor of changes in depressive symptoms. Both persistent loneliness and social isolation were closely associated with depression. We should develop effective and feasible interventions for older adults who have depressive symptoms or who are at risk of long-term social relationship problems to avoid the vicious circle among depression, social isolation and loneliness.

Social Deafferentation and the Relation Between Loneliness and Hallucinations

The social deafferentation hypothesis (SDA) has been proposed as an explanatory mechanism of hallucinations, based on the theory that social withdrawal triggers the initial phase of schizophrenia. The current study tests the SDA by assessing how loneliness is associated with different types of hallucinations. Under the SDA, increased loneliness is hypothesized to affect the occurrence of hallucinations that carry social meaning, but not of nonsocial hallucinations. As part of an online survey, 2038 adolescents and young adults from the general population (median age 21 years; 75% female) filled out the Questionnaire for Psychotic Experiences, and the shortened De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Binomial logistic regression was used to investigate the effects of loneliness severity on past month prevalence of hallucinations, and on the presence of social versus nonsocial hallucinations. Loneliness increased the prevalence of hallucinations across modalities in the past month. Moreover, stronger degree of loneliness increased the likelihood of hearing voices or laughter, and of hallucinating being touched. Conversely, loneliness decreased the likelihood of experiencing the nonsocial hallucination of a tingling feeling. As expected, loneliness did not increase the prevalence of experiencing nonsocial hallucinations. Surprisingly, neither was loneliness associated with experiencing felt presence. Our results are novel in showing that loneliness specifically increases the likelihood of hearing human sounds such as voices or laughter, or feeling a human touch. Hallucinations without social meaning were not more likely to be experienced with increasing loneliness. This forms a confirmation of the SDA.

Loneliness in University Students during Two Transitions: A Mixed Methods Approach Including Biographical Mapping.

Several studies have shown that loneliness is prevalent in university students. However, up to now, it is less clear how transitions during this life stage are associated with loneliness. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association of loneliness with the transition from high school to university and the transition into the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty students were interviewed in qualitative interviews based on a semi-structured guide that also included biographical mapping. In addition, the participants reported social and emotional loneliness based on the six-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale for three points in time: (1) at the time of the interview, (2) at the beginning of their studies at the university and (3) at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The qualitative data were analyzed using a structuring content analysis following Mayring. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. We found that emotional loneliness increased both during high school graduation and at the start of study at the university, as well as at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social loneliness was higher during university studies than during the last years at high school and increased at the beginning of the pandemic. The results indicate that both transitions played an important role for perceived social and emotional loneliness. Further quantitative studies in larger samples will be relevant in the future to better target the responses to loneliness during transitions. Universities can actively counteract loneliness, especially during the transition from high school to university, by organizing events and meeting places where new students can network.

Psychometric Properties of the 11-Item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale in a Representative Sample of Mexican Older Adults

Recent studies have focused on the negative effects of loneliness on health and quality of life in older adults. The De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) has been widely used and has proven to be a valid and reliable instrument for loneliness assessment. However, research on this topic and on the validation of measurement scales among the older population is still incipient. The objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the 11-item DJGLS in Mexican older adults. Data from a representative sample of cognitively intact older adults aged 60 years and over (mean, standard deviation [SD]) age = 72.0 years (SD 8.1) from two Mexican cities (n = 1913), interviewed face to face at their homes during 2018-2019, were analyzed. The psychometric properties of the DJGLS were examined, including (1) construct validity, examined by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), discriminate validity and convergent validity, (2) reliability, calculated using Cronbach's alpha. The overall data quality was high, and the scaling assumptions were generally met with few exceptions. Using EFA and CFA, the findings showed that the DJGLS presents a two-factor structure (Social Loneliness and Emotional Loneliness), with 11 items that explain 67.2% of the total variance. Reliability is adequate at the full-scale level (Cronbach´s α = 0.899), also for the two subscales Social and Emotional Loneliness (Cronbach´s α = 0.892 and 0.776, respectively). These results highlight that most participants with a low score for depressive symptoms and or with a high social support score belonged to the "No loneliness" group. The results showed that the Spanish version of the 11-item DJGLS is adequate for use in Mexican older adults and should be used not only for loneliness screening but also for social and emotional loneliness assessment.

Heterogeneity in social participation among young people with vision impairment

Young people may adapt to vision impairment (VI) in a variety of ways. To explore heterogeneity in social participation, data were mined for distinct patterns. Existing data from 258 young people with VI, aged between 26 and 44 years ( M = 35.3 years; SD = 5.07), were clustered. Social participation was measured by four closed-ended questions and the Social Network Map. Loneliness was measured by the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness scale. K-medoids clustering with the Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) algorithm was used to cluster social participation variables and age.Eight clusters were identified, with participants in the two largest clusters, clusters 1 ( n = 84) and 2 ( n = 50), scoring high on almost all social participation outcomes. Participants in cluster 8 ( n = 14) had the lowest social participation scores. However, also over half of the participants in clusters 4, 5, 6, and 7 experienced feelings of loneliness. Findings demonstrate considerable heterogeneity in social participation among young people with VI, which however does not link to loneliness. These variations in social participation underline the need for a differentiated approach to address needs of young people with VI.

The perceived relationship quality with migrant domestic workers is correlated with a lower level of loneliness among community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

PurposeTo explore older adults’ perceived relationship quality with migrant domestic workers (MDWs) and examine the correlation between older adult/MDW (O-M) relationship quality and loneliness of community-dwelling older adults. Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, older adults living with MDWs were conveniently recruited from neighbourhood elderly centers in Hong Kong. Loneliness and O-M relationship quality were assessed by the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the mutuality scale, respectively. Older adults’ demographic and functional characteristics, and MDW's nationality, spoken language and years of service in the dyad were also collected. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the contributions of 1) demographic variables and functional status, 2) MDW characteristics, 3) perceived social network and 4) perceived O-M relationship quality on loneliness. ResultsThe 178 participants [mean age 83.44 (SD 7.05 years); 155 (87.1%) women and 23 men (22.9%)] were socially lonely (1.07 ± 1.15) and close to being lonely overall (1.90 ± 1.68), and emotionally (0.84 ± 0.97). The mean O-M relationship quality was poor (1.42 ± 0.79), which was significantly correlated with overall (β= -0.33, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.01, P value = 0.045), and social (β= -0.24, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.01, P value = 0.04) loneliness, but not significantly correlated to emotional loneliness. ConclusionBetter perceived O-M relationship quality is correlated with a lower level of loneliness among older adults. Strategies to improve O-M relationship quality may alleviate loneliness among older adults.

Sense of Loneliness, Sense of Effectiveness, Interpersonal Trust and Interpersonal Relations of Academic Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The article aims to present the levels of the sense of loneliness, sense of effectiveness and interpersonal trust presented by academic youth and to demonstrate their importance for the subjective assessment of the quality of interpersonal relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. It presents the results of empirical research conducted with the participation of 2,285 respondents studying in a full-time mode in Poland. The research material was collected using an online questionnaire (CAWI) and subjected to statistical analysis (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, V-Cramer coefficient, chi-square test, Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA and Levene’s test were used). The survey questionnaire used the De Jong Gierveld (DJGLS) Loneliness Scale in the Polish adaptation, the scale to measure interpersonal trust by Dorota Hybiak and the scale to measure the sense of effectiveness by Krystyna Skarżyńska. The results obtained show a statistically significant correlation, with the respondents showing a higher sense of effectiveness, a lower level of loneliness and a higher level of interpersonal trust, and higher subjective satisfaction with interpersonal relationships experienced during a pandemic. These research categories can therefore be considered as protective factors in a pandemic situation and as factors of “hope” for the rebuilding of interpersonal contacts in a post-pandemic reality.

Loneliness and Psychosocial Resources among Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Older People in Rural Areas of Chile.

(1) Background: loneliness is a problem that becomes increasingly acute in old age, with greater repercussions among socially disadvantaged groups such as indigenous and Afro-descendant older adults. The aim of this research is to analyze the psychosocial variables related to loneliness in old age. (2) Methods: a multi-ethnic sample was involved, with the participation of eight indigenous peoples and Afro-descendant tribal people (n = 1.348). Various gerontological scales previously validated among the Chilean population (De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Brief Resilient Coping Scale, Health Problems Questionnaire, and Family APGAR questionnaire) and a model are contrasted, establishing the relationship between psychosocial variables and loneliness. (3) Results: Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed the existence of indirect relationships between health problems, via family functioning and resilience, and loneliness. Resilience and family functioning were directly related to loneliness (WLSMV-χ2 (df = 345) = 875.106, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.992; TLI = 0.991; RMSEA = 0.034 [C.I. 90% = 0.031-0.037]). (4) Conclusions: loneliness has cross-culturally affected older Chilean people living in rural areas and it appears that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on well-being. This study proves that loneliness is related to several psychosocial variables that can be intervened.

Dimensional Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Existential Loneliness Questionnaire (ELQ)

The recent pandemic of Coronavirus and its associated excess mortality have made the man more prone to feelings of isolation and being alone existentially. Therefore, it is necessary to identify, assess, and reduce such negative feelings. The present study aims to provide a Persian adaptation of the existential loneliness questionnaire (ELQ) and to examine its dimensional structure and psychometric characteristics. The ELQ items were translated into Persian using forward-backward translation method. Participant recruitment is conducted via social media platform and data is collected via online survey. Content validity was evaluated by the expert’s judgement, followed by factor analysis, validity, and reliability tests. Two samples of university students were collected. Sample 1 consisted of 305 students aged 18-53 years, completed the Persian adaptation of the ELQ and several other instruments: De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS), Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (EAQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Sample 2 consisted of 262 students aged 18-50 years, completed only the Persian ELQ to conduct Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) tests. According to Parallel Analysis (PA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) results, a unidimensional structure was found for the Persian ELQ, and the results of the CFA test supported this finding. The Multi-group CFA test supported the measurement invariance of the questionnaire across two samples. Evidence of high internal consistency (α =.91) and adequate test-retest reliability (r= .73) was found as well. The correlational analyses revealed a strong construct validity based on the ELQ score’s significant association with other criterion measures. According to the findings of the study, the Persian version of the ELQ is a reliable, valid, and psychometrically suitable instrument for use in Iranian samples of university students.