Emotional Loneliness Scale For Adults Research Articles

Attachment and negative affect on mental health and pain experience patients with Multiple Sclerosis: mediated by coping strategies and loneliness

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis and its related stressors significantly affect the mental health of people with MS. Considering the progressive and relapsing-remitting nature of the disease and somatic complaint, the Pain experience for MS patients is challenging. We examined the direct effects of Attachment and the negative affect on mental health and pain experience and the indirect effects of Attachment, negative affect, loneliness, and coping strategies on the mental health and pain experience of people with multiple sclerosis. MethodsThree hundred forty-five patients with MS were selected through the Iranian MS Association. Measures included the negative affect (PANAS), Adult Attachment Inventory (AAI), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ28), short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-mpq-2), Social and emotional loneliness scale for adults (SELSA-S), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations(CISS-21). The present study has employed the Structural Equation Model (SEM) to investigate the direct and indirect effects of coping strategies, attachment, loneliness, and negative affect on mental health and pain experienced by individuals with MS. The fit of the model to the data was examined using the Discrepancy Function Divided by Degrees of Freedom (CMIN/DF), Normed Fit Index (NFI), TuckerLewis Index (TLI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). ResultsThe fit indices results showed that the model's fit was good. Furthermore, findings indicate that 13% (R2=13) of the pain experience Changes and 47% (R2=47) of the mental health Changes are explained via study predictors. Negative affect directly affects mental health and pain experience, and Attachment directly affects mental health. Negative affect indirectly affects coping strategies. Attachment and Negative affect indirectly affect loneliness. Loneliness and coping strategies indirectly affect mental health and pain experience. ConclusionStudy findings contribute to our understanding of the crucial structures that play a role in the mental health and pain experience of individuals with MS. Loneliness and coping strategies as mediating variables play essential roles in these people's mental health and pain experience. In the times ahead, it would be beneficial to prioritize addressing negative affect, attachment, coping strategies, and loneliness in the patients with MS' medical and psychological intervention.

Adaptation of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults to Turkish Culture

This study addresses the pervasive human experience of loneliness, shifting from a traditional unidimensional perspective to a more nuanced, multidimensional understanding. The Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA) was developed based on this conceptual shift, and this study focuses on adapting the scale to Turkish culture. Data from 197 Turkish adults (Mean age = 23 years, SD = 5.12) were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, revealing a three-factor structure consistent with the original scale. The factors, namely social loneliness, romantic loneliness, and family loneliness, explained 23.7%, 17.5%, and 10.4% of the variance, respectively. One item was excluded from the scale due to the lack of contribution to any factor. Clear factor analysis results and high Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients (0.92, 0.93, and 0.90 for social, romantic, and family loneliness, respectively, and 0.90 for the total scale) indicate strong internal consistency. The findings not only affirm the applicability of SELSA in the Turkish context but also contribute to a nuanced understanding of loneliness. The multidimensional approach, supported by robust psychometric properties, offers a valuable tool for comprehensively assessing and addressing diverse facets of loneliness in Turkish young adults.

The effect of social appearance anxiety and loneliness on nomophobia levels of young adults

BackgroundNomophobia can be defined as a disorder in which people fear being away from their smartphone. Studies on the determinants of nomophobia in young adults seem to be limited. AimThis study aims to determine the levels of nomophobia, social appearance anxiety and loneliness in young adults and to examine the effects of social appearance anxiety and the level of social and emotional loneliness on nomophobia levels. DesignThis is a descriptive and correlational study. Data were collected from 687 young adults. Data were collected using the Information Form, the Nomophobia Scale, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, and the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults. Descriptive and multiple linear regression statistics were used. ResultsThe mean Nomophobia Scale score of the participants was 73.76 ± 27.46, which points to moderate nomophobia levels. The findings revealed those with a high level of social appearance anxiety have higher nomophobia levels. It was revealed that social appearance anxiety, social and emotional loneliness explain 8 % (Adjusted R2 = 0.082) of the variance in the nomophobia. ConclusionA sample of 687 participants showed that young adults were relatively moderately nomophobic. In this study, social appearance anxiety, social and emotional loneliness was determined as predictor of nomophobia.

Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire Among Iranian Freshmen

Background: Freshmen have to face different requirements, such as deciding on a future job, establishing a relationship with the other gender, adapting to a new environment, building new relationships, being away from family, and experiencing different courses and teachers. These different demands might make this period one of the most stressful times and turn the adaptation process into a difficult stage. Therefore, it is necessary to provide appropriate tools to determine the levels and difficulties of adaptation in various fields. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of Baker and Siryk 67-Question Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) to provide an appropriate tool for diagnosing freshmen’s problems. Methods: The current study is a methodological study with a descriptive cross-sectional design. Given the construct structure of the questionnaire, it was tried to select 445 freshmen across different undergraduate fields using a multi-stage sampling method. Then, SACQ, Brief Psychological Adjustment-6, the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults - Short Version, and the Beck Depression Inventory were administered. Then, confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and divergent validity, and Cronbach's alpha were calculated for data analysis. Results: The results showed that the internal consistency coefficient of this questionnaire for all components was higher than 0.70, and it indicated that the tool was a suitable one. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 4-factor model of original developers had a better fit than the one-factor and six-factor models in this sample. Conclusions: Since the factor structure of this scale was approved, it could be used to measure adaptation to college to determine and identify troubled or at-risk freshmen.

Features of the experience of loneliness among adults due to their personal characteristics

The presented article is devoted to the study of the associations between the parameters of loneliness and the personal characteristics of adults. The main parameters of loneliness are: the general experience of loneliness, dependence on communication, as well as acceptance of loneliness and a positive attitude towards it. Among the personal characteristics, we considered the personality factors included in the Big Five model and sociotropy, which is a cognitive strategy reflecting a person’s focus on creating positive relationships with others and a general focus on society. The purpose of the study was to identify the presence and nature of the relationship between loneliness, the Big Five personality factors and sociotropy. It has been hypothesized that orientation to society and a high level of neuroticism are positively associated with the experience of loneliness, its rejection. Self-sufficiency, openness to experience and conscientiousness are associated with a positive attitude to loneliness, its resourcefulness. The study involved 131 people aged 18 to 55 years (M=31 years; SD=9.85), 26 men and 105 women. The following methods were used: the Differential Questionnaire for the Experience of Loneliness (K.N.Osin, D.A.Leontiev), the Sociotropy — Self-Sufficiency Questionnaire (O.Yu. Strizhitskaya et al.), Bulgarian version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S), Five-Factor Personality Trait Inventory NEO FFI P.T.Costa, R.R.McCrae, adapted by V.E.Orel, A.A.Rukavishnikov. Mathematical processing was performed on the basis of IBM SPSS 23.0 software. The results obtained confirmed the existence of associations between the parameters of loneliness and personal characteristics. Social uncertainty and neuroticism contributed to increased feelings of lack of emotional closeness or connection with people, as well as feelings of loneliness and isolation. In turn, an increase in the indicator of attachment, on the contrary, helped to reduce the overall experience of loneliness. Attachment and dependence on the opinions of others could increase the aversion to loneliness and the tendency to seek companionship at any cost. Self-sufficiency and openness to experience contribute to the acceptance of loneliness and a more positive attitude towards this phenomenon. In addition, openness to experience, active imagination, preference for variety, mental flexibility, independence in judgment and evaluation, as well as sociability, activity, energy and optimism helped reduce the experience of emotional and social loneliness.

Evaluating measures to assess loneliness in autistic adults.

There has been increasing interest in research on loneliness in autistic adults. Much of this research has involved giving autistic adults widely-used questionnaires that are thought to measure how lonely people are. However, these questionnaires have been developed for the general public. We do not know whether these questionnaires accurately measure how lonely autistic adults are. We asked 203 autistic adults to complete an online survey that included two widely-used loneliness questionnaires: (1) the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale Version 3 and (2) the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA). We also asked participants to rate how lonely they were from 1 (often/always) to 5 (never). Participants were then asked to give their views on the questionnaires (e.g. what they thought was good, and what they thought was not so good about them). We found that the scores on the UCLA scale and the SELSA aligned with participants' ratings of how lonely they were, which suggests that these two questionnaires accurately measure loneliness in autistic people. However, our participants also identified several ways to improve the questionnaires. This included (1) better distinguishing the characteristics/experiences of loneliness from those of being autistic; (2) better reflecting how loneliness may change at different times and in different contexts and (3) making the phrasing of the questions clearer. Overall, our autistic participants tended to prefer the UCLA scale to the SELSA. Therefore, we present some recommendations about how the UCLA scale could be changed to be more suitable for autistic people.

ÇEVRİMİÇİ KUMAR BAĞIMLILIĞI İLE YALNIZLIK İLİŞKİSİ: TÜRKİYE'DEN BİR ÜNİVERSİTE ÖRNEĞİ

Objective
 The aim of this study was to determine the relationship
 and mutual effects between online gambling addiction
 and loneliness in young adults studying at a public
 university in Türkiye.
 Material and Method
 This study was designed in a cross-sectional style and
 prepared with the information collected by the survey
 application method. The study population was made
 up of young adults studying at a public university in
 Türkiye. The data were obtained in December 2021
 using an in-person data collection method with two
 questionnaire forms containing demographic data,
 Online Gambling Addiction Scale (OGAS) and Social
 and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S).
 Results
 There were a total of 449 university students
 participated in the study. Of them, 52.8% were
 females. Those who were addicted to online gambling
 constituted 35.0% of the group, and those who were
 addicted to young adults gambling had significantly
 higher loneliness than those who were not (p=0.005).
 Conclusion
 In young adults, loneliness has been shown to have a
 predictive effect on online gambling addiction.

Sex-related differences in the associations between diurnal cortisol pattern and social and emotional loneliness in older adults.

Loneliness is a distressful feeling that can affect mental and physical health, particularly among older adults. Cortisol, the primary hormone of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA-axis), may act as a biological transducer through which loneliness affects health. While most previous studies have evaluated the association between loneliness, as a unidimensional construct, and diurnal cortisol pattern, no research has examined this relationship discriminating between social and emotional loneliness in older adults. As sex differences in the negative mental health outcomes of loneliness have been reported, we also investigated whether diurnal cortisol indices and loneliness associations occur in a sex-specific manner. We analyzed the diurnal cortisol- pattern in 142 community-dwelling, non-depressed, Caucasian older adults (55,6% female) aged 60-90. Social and emotional (family and romantic) loneliness scores were assessed using the Spanish version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA). Five salivary cortisol samples were used to capture key features of the diurnal cortisol pattern, including: awakening and bedtime cortisol levels, awakening response (CAR), post-awakening cortisol output (post-awakening cortisol [i.e., the area under the curve with reference to the ground: AUCG]), total diurnal cortisol release (AUCG), and diurnal cortisol slope (DCS). After controlling for sociodemographic variables, the hierarchical linear multiple regression analyses revealed that in male older adults, higher scores on social and family loneliness were associated with elevated awakening cortisol levels, total diurnal cortisol output, and a steeper diurnal cortisol slope (DCS). However, these associations were not observed in female older adults. In addition, feelings of romantic loneliness were positively associated with bedtime cortisol levels and AUCG in older males. Multilevel growth curve modeling showed that experiencing more social and emotional loneliness predicted higher diurnal cortisol output throughout the day in older male adults. The presence of sex differences in the relationship between cortisol indices and loneliness among older adults holds particular significance for diagnostic and screening procedures. Combining loneliness scales as screening tools with diurnal cortisol measures has the potential to be an effective and cost-efficient approach in identifying higher-risk individuals at early stages.

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 and Death Anxiety: Differences Between Active and Bedridden Older Men.

Physical activity might be impact on death anxiety and loneliness in adult people. Accordingly, the present study examined loneliness and death anxiety in two groups of active and bedridden older men living in nursing homes in Yazd. This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on older men living in nursing homes in Yazd, Iran. The participants were 148 older men who were randomly selected. The instruments used to collect the data were the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S) and the Death Anxiety Scale One-way ANOVA was also used. The findings indicated the active older men scored lower in loneliness and death compared to the bedridden older men. Loneliness and death anxiety are important psychological components that are more common in inactive older than their active counterparts. Therefore, physical activity in old age can improve older adults' quality of life.

Association between Social Support and Three Types of Loneliness among Rural Older Adults in Johor, Malaysia

Background: Social support plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being and quality of life of older people. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 380 older adults residing in a rural district in Johor, Malaysia. A proportional stratified random sampling was used to examine the relationship between social support and three types of loneliness. The data were collected using the Short-Form Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults and Lubben Social Network Scale–6, with p < 0.05 considered as statistically significant. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics 26.0 for Windows. Results: More than half of the older adults in this rural area received social support from their family and friends. The results showed a significant relationship between family support and social (p < 0.01), emotional (p < 0.001), and family loneliness (p < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that social support from friends (p < 0.001) and family (p = 0.02) predicted significantly social loneliness. Family support is a significant predictor of emotional loneliness (p = 0.001), and friend support is a significant predictor of family loneliness (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The support from family members and friends is recommended to combat loneliness in older adults.

Program evaluation of an adapted PEERS® social skills program in young adults with autism spectrum disorder and/or mild intellectual impairment and social skills difficulties.

Social challenges are common for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or mild intellectual impairment, yet few evidence-based interventions exist to address these challenges. PEERS®, the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, has been shown to be effective in improving the social skills of young adults with ASD; however, it requires a significant time commitment for parents of young adults. As such, this mixed-methods study aimed to investigate the experiences of young adults, parents and PEERS® social coaches participating in an adapted PEERS® program, and to evaluate its acceptability and efficacy. Young adults with ASD and/or mild intellectual impairment participated in a 16-week PEERS® program. Parents and PEERS® social coaches attended fewer, condensed sessions, where they learnt program content to support the young adults' social skill development at home and in the community. Focus groups were conducted post intervention. Quantitative pre-post assessment using the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, the Test of Young Adult Social Skills Knowledge, and Quality of Socialization Questionnaire-Young Adults was completed by young adults. The Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition was completed by young adults and their parents. Qualitative results revealed that, taken together, young adults, parents and PEERS® social coaches all felt that the adapted PEERS® program was 'challenging, but worth it'. The program was acceptable with a 93%attendance rate across all sessions. Whilst young adults' perceptions of their own social functioning did not change post-intervention, their knowledge of social skills content improved significantly (p < 0.05). Parent perceptions of young adults' social responsiveness also improved (p < 0.05). Social skill knowledge, social responsiveness, and social engagement improved significantly following the completion of the adapted PEERS® program. It was deemed acceptable and worthwhile by young adults, their parents and PEERS® social coaches.

The Role of Executive Functions in the Relationship Between Loneliness and Psychological Well-Being of the Elderly

Background: Perceived loneliness has insinuation in both cognitive and well-being of individuals. Loneliness is a major risk factor for depressive disorder. Decreased executive function is a significant problem for older adults that plays an essential role in their psychological well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of executive functions in the loneliness and psychological well-being of the elderly. Methods: The present correlational study with a survey research design used structural equation modeling. The sample size was 115 people selected using purposeful sampling. The Ryff’s psychological well-being questionnaire, executive function tests (including N-Back, Trail Making Test, quantitative calculations, London Tower, and Reaction Time), and the DiTomasso Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults were used to collect information required for this research. Results: Model fit indices showed that the conceptual model extracted based on theoretical foundations had an acceptable fit (RMSEA = 0.047). The analysis results showed that executive functions played a mediating role in the relationship between perceived loneliness and psychological well-being. The perceived loneliness showed a significant inverse relationship with executive functions and psychological well-being, but executive functions had a direct relationship with psychological well-being. Conclusions: In the present study, it was found that executive functions played a mediating role in the relationship between psychological well-being and the perceived loneliness of the elderly, and these findings are consistent with previous research and theoretical foundations. Further research is suggested to determine biological mechanisms underlying the relationship between perceived loneliness and executive functions with psychological well-being.

Burnout in International Medical Students: Characterization of Professionalism and Loneliness as Predictive Factors of Burnout.

Background: Burnout is a common mental problem in medical students. For those who are following medical studies abroad there is a higher risk of suffering this syndrome, due to the combination of academic stress and the stress derived from their new living situation. This study was performed with the purpose of testing the following hypothesis: in medical students enrolled in medical programs abroad, abilities associated with professionalism and family support play a protective role in the prevention of suffering burnout. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zagreb, where a fully English medical program is offered. The general version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-GS) was used as a dependent variable, while Jefferson Scales of empathy, teamwork, and physician lifelong learning and the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults were used as predictive variables. In addition, information related to sex, country of birth, native language, age, academic achievement, and living situation were collected in a socio-demographic form. Linear regression models were applied to identify predictors of burnout. Results: In a sample composed of 188 medical students (38 Croatians and 144 foreigners from 28 countries), 18% of the global score in the MBI-GS was explained by lifelong learning and family loneliness. A separate analysis for each domain of the MBI-GS allowed the creation of three models: the first model explained 19% of the variance of the “exhaustion” domain by “country of birth”, “living with parents”, “academic year”, and “cynicism”; a second model explained 24% of the variance of the “cynicism” domain by “academic year”, “empathy”, “lifelong learning”, and “exhaustion”; and finally, a third model explained 24% of the variance of the “professional efficacy” domain by “lifelong learning”, “family loneliness”, and “cynicism”. All obtained models presented an effect size between medium and large, as well as matching the required conditions for statistical inference. Conclusions: These findings confirm the important role that family plays as a source of support for medical students. Empathy and lifelong learning, two specific elements of medical professionalism, appear as protective factors in the prevention of burnout in international students.

The Relationship between Functional Status and Social, Emotional and Family Loneliness among Older Adults in Pontian

Life at mature age is perceived to be very challenging and mostly influenced by the ageing process and negative changes that increase the risk of functional abilities. The most enormous thing to achieve is to live independently with less help from others to achieve an optimum quality of life. Methods: This is a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted among 414 community-dwelling older adults in Pontian District aiming to identify the functional status and examine the relationship between functional status and three types of loneliness. The Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire was used to measure the level of functional status. Loneliness was measured with the short form of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults. The Statistical Package for Social Science Ver.26 for Windows was used to analyse all of the data.The results of this study show that the mean (+SD) age is 71.4 (+2.0). The majority of respondents perceived good health status and no deterioration in functional status. 8.2% of respondents experienced deterioration in functional status. Of these, 32.6% of respondents experienced social loneliness, 39.9% experienced emotional loneliness, and 9.2% experienced family loneliness. The results also revealed a significant relationship between functional status and social loneliness (p = 0.02). In conclusion, the majority of respondents are independent enough to perform functional activities, and less than half of them have experienced social, emotional, or family loneliness. Social loneliness was linked to a decline in functional ability in older adults. This research could aid in the care of older adults who live independently and freely in the community.

The prediction of Nomophobia Based on Perceived Parenting Styles with Mediating Role of Loneliness

Background and Aim: Considering the prevalence of mobile phone use and more dependence on it, it is necessary to know the factors affecting it, The purpose of this study was to study prediction of nomophobia based on perceived parenting styles with mediating role of loneliness. Research method: This research was a descriptive study of structural equation modeling. This study was conducted in the presence of 500 student by available sampling method among students Kashan city in year academic 1400-1401. To measure the variables, nomophobia questionnaire of Yildirim and Correia (2015), parnetal styles questionnaire of Naghashian (2006) and short form of the social and emotional loneliness scale for adults of DiTommaso and et al (2004) were used. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and structural equation modelling with using SPSS-24 and AMOS software was investigated. Results: The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between perceived parenting and loneliness with nomophobia (P &lt;0.01). The results also showed that most of the direct paths of this study were significant and the indirect paths of perceived parenting styles were significant through the mediating role of loneliness on nomophobia. Conclusion: proposed model had an acceptable fitness to the data (RMSEA=0/062, P-value&lt;0/05) and evaluated model has a good fit and is an important step in identifying the factors that are effective in nomophobia in students.

A Multimodal Messaging App (MAAN) for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mixed Methods Evaluation Study.

BackgroundIndividuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit difficulties in social and communication skills. For more than 30 years, specialists, parents, and caregivers have used techniques, such as applied behavioral analysis, augmentative and alternative communication, and the picture exchange communication system to support the social and communication skills of people with ASD. Even though there are many techniques devised to enhance communication, these techniques are not considered in existing social media apps for people with ASD.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effect of adding accessibility features, such as text-to-speech (TTS), speech-to-text (STT), and communication symbols (CS), to a messaging app (MAAN). We hypothesized that these accessibility features can enhance the social and communication skills of adults with ASD. We also hypothesized that usage of this app can reduce social loneliness in adults with ASD.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 5 experts working in fields related to ASD to help design the app. Seven adults with ASD participated in the study for a period of 10 to 16 weeks. Data logs of participants’ interactions with the app were collected. Additionally, 6 participants’ parents and 1 caregiver were asked to complete a short version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S) questionnaire to compare pre-post study results. The Mobile Application Rating Scale: user version questionnaire was also used to evaluate the app’s usability. Following the study, interviews were conducted with participants to discuss their experiences with the app.ResultsThe SELSA-S questionnaire results showed no change in the family subscale; however, the social loneliness subscale showed a difference between prestudy and poststudy. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated that poststudy SELSA-S results were statistically significantly higher than prestudy results (z=−2.047; P=.04). Point-biserial correlation indicated that the SELSA-S rate of change was strongly related to usage of the TTS feature (r=0.708; P=.04) and CS feature (r=−0.917; P=.002), and moderately related to usage of the STT feature (r=0.428; P=.17). Lastly, we adopted grounded theory to analyze the interview data, and the following 5 categories emerged: app support, feature relevance, user interface design, overall feedback, and recommendations.ConclusionsThis study discusses the potential for improving the communication skills of adults with ASD through special features in mobile messaging apps. The developed app aims to support the inclusion and independent life of adults with ASD. The study results showed the importance of using TTS, STT, and CS features to enhance social and communication skills, as well as reduce social loneliness in adults with ASD.

Non-academic factors influencing the development of empathy in undergraduate nursing students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEmpathy is described as a core competence of nursing. There is abundant research evidence supporting that empathy varies according to personal characteristics and targeted training. The aim of this study was to characterize non-academic factors (personal and environmental) influencing the development of empathy in undergraduate nursing studies who are not receiving a targeted training in empathetic abilities in their nursing schools.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in the three nursing schools located in Cusco city, Peru (two private and one public). The Jefferson Scales of Empathy, Attitudes toward Physician-Nurse Collaboration, and Lifelong Learning, the Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, and the Scale of Life Satisfaction, were applied as the main measures. Also, information regarding gender, nursing school, and age, were collected. After psychometric properties were assessed, all measures were used in the development of a multivariate regression model to characterize factors of influence in empathy.ResultsIn a sample composed by 700 undergraduate nursing students (72 males and 628 females), a multivariate linear regression model was created. This model explained the 53% of variance of empathy and fitted all conditions necessary for inference estimations. Teamwork abilities, loneliness, age, sex, subjective well-being, and nursing school, appeared as factors influencing the development of empathy in patients’ care.ConclusionsFindings have indicated that, in absence of a targeted training, individual characteristics and characteristics associated with social and family environments play an important role of influence in the development of empathy in nursing students. These findings are also in consonance with others previously reported in different cultural settings including high-, middle- and low-income countries.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EXPERIENCE OF LONELINESS BETWEEN BULGARIANS AND RUSSIANS

Loneliness is a painful and alienating experience, which is an increasingly widespread phenomenon all over the globe. However, this phenomenon is perceived and interpreted differently in the world. The present study aims to compare the emotional, social, and romantic loneliness between Bulgarians and Russians. The two Slavic countries are historically and culturally close, but at the same time, there are many differences. Some studies have found that in the minds of both Russian and Bulgarian young people, loneliness is associated with both negative and positive aspects. This creates a common ground for the analysis and interpretation of this phenomenon in both countries. But the Russian people are more characterized by a positive-resource view of loneliness, while Bulgarian young people emphasize the negative. The study involved 608 people from Bulgaria and Russia aged 18-73 years. They completed the short version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults by Di Tommaso E., Brannen C., Best L.A. (2004). The results indicated that „romantic loneliness“was108 the most pronounced and present with its frequency in the content of the overall experience of loneliness. This outlines deficits, expectations, and emotions that are realized / function / in the deeply personal world of the person, of the studied groups of adults both in Bulgaria and in Russia. In second place in terms of its representation is the "social loneliness", which ​​stands out among the studied adults from Bulgaria according to its marginal values. In the third place as third structural-content component is the "emotional loneliness", which is especially present in the experiences of the respondents from Bulgaria in comparison with those from Russia. Statistically significant results on the factors "country", “age” and "marital status" are also discussed.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy on Worry Severity and Loneliness Among the Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Aims: Because of the increasing number of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the psychological complications that affect this group, the current study has compared the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) on these patients. Methods &amp; Materials: This research is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-post-test design and a control group. A total of 45 patients with MS were selected from the patients of an MS Clinic in Tehran City, Iran, in 2019. Then, they were randomly divided into two experimental groups of ACT and CFT and one control group. The participants completed the social and emotional loneliness scale for adults and the Penn State worry questionnaire before and after the intervention. The experimental groups participated in eight sessions of ACT and ten sessions of CFT. The control group did not receive any intervention, and in the end, a post-test was taken. The obtained data were examined by analysis of covariance Findings: Findings obtained from univariate analysis of covariance at the statistical level of P&lt;0.05 were F=42.60 for loneliness and F=5.90 for worry, which indicates the more effectiveness of ACT. Conclusion: It is suggested that ACT treatment be given more attention in controlling patients’ psychological symptoms.