Gender Differences In Loneliness Research Articles

Gender Differences in Social Embeddedness Determinants of Loneliness Among Moroccan and Turkish Older Migrants.

Moroccan and Turkish migrants residing in Northwestern Europe have high loneliness levels. This study examines gender differences in loneliness within this migrant population. The migrants have gender-segregated social roles at home and in public, which might lead to gender differences in what aspects of social relationships can explain variation in loneliness. Respondents are from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam with 446 first-generation Moroccan and Turkish migrants in the Netherlands, aged between 55 and 66 years. We use interaction effects to test for gender differences in determinants of loneliness. Men and women have a similar, moderate level of loneliness. Having a spouse and receiving care from children are more strongly related with lower loneliness levels in men than in women. Coethnic ties play an equally important role for men and women. In men, frequent mosque attendance is related with greater loneliness, but not in women. Family ties are more protective against loneliness for older men than for older women, possibly indicating that migrant women's expectations regarding family go above and beyond having a spouse, receiving intergenerational care, or having frequent contact with children. In addition, migrant older men's higher expectations regarding a public social life could make their social life in the Netherlands less fulfilling, resulting in greater loneliness.

Gender Differences in Loneliness Over Time: A 15-Year Longitudinal Study of Men and Women in the Second Part of Life.

Evidence suggests that in old age, women are lonelier than men. Gender differences in loneliness are often explained by gender differences in longevity, social status and loss, health, and mobility-well-established predictors that may influence loneliness differently in "younger" (40-59 years) and "older" (60-80 years) groups of men and women in the second part of life. This study explores loneliness in men and women ages 40 to 80 years at baseline over a 15-year period using panel data from three waves of the Norwegian Life Course, Ageing and Generation Study (N = 2,315). Our analyses show that women were more lonely than men also in adjusted analyses. Logistic regression analyses indicated that loss of a partner and poor mental health are prospectively related to loneliness among men and women, whereas other factors like becoming a partner, stable singlehood, and poor physical health were related to loneliness among women but not men.

Loneliness, Resilience and Distress of Indian adults during COVID-19 : Age-dependent Gender Differences

On March 24, 2020, a nationwide lockdown was implemented on the 138 million-strong population of India as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 Pandemic. Such global social isolation and fear of uncertainty are capable of producing psychological adversities, challenging people’s ability to adapt to a new way of life. This study examines gender differences in loneliness, resilience, and distress among different age groups (students: 17–22, young: 23–40, middle: 41–60) as there is a lack of research that explores how disproportionately the pandemic affects each gender. In the midst of the lockdown, an online survey on loneliness, resilience, and distress was conducted on the adult Indian population. A total of 243 responses were collected and analyzed. The findings revealed that 51% of the population was already lonely, and a significant number of people were distressed, particularly among students (F (2,243) = 4.78, p =.004).Males (M = 8.09) were significantly more distressed than females (M = 4.93) in the middle-aged population (F (1,59) = 8.08, p =.006).Even though no significant gender differences were found in the loneliness scores, there were significant gender differences in the resilience scores of the population. F (2,243) = 5.65, p =.030 states that the male population (N = 101, M = 3.39, SD = 0.53) was more resilient than the female population (N = 145, M = 3.23, SD = 0.62). Thus, the results show that the pandemic has already disproportionately affected girls, women, and middle-aged men, for whom gender-sensitive provision of mental health services, support, and resources is necessary to alleviate the challenges of gender equity.

Loneliness Progression Among Older Adults During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States and Canada.

ObjectivesOlder adults are at high risk for complications from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Health guidelines recommend limiting physical contact during the pandemic, drastically reducing opportunities for in-person social exchange. Older adults are also susceptible to negative consequences from loneliness, and the COVID-19 pandemic has likely exacerbated this age-related vulnerability.MethodsIn 107 community-dwelling older individuals (65–90 years, 70.5% female) from Florida, the United States, and Ontario, Canada, we examined change in loneliness over the course of the pandemic after implementation of COVID-19-related physical distancing guidelines (March–September 2020; T1–T5; biweekly concurrent self-report) using multilevel modeling. We also explored gender differences in loneliness during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic at both data collection sites.ResultsConsistent across the 2 sites, levels of loneliness remained stable over time for the full sample (T1–T5). However, our exploratory moderation analysis suggested gender differences in the trajectory of loneliness between the United States and Canada, in that older men in Florida and older women in Ontario reported an increase in loneliness over time.DiscussionLeveraging a longitudinal, binational data set collected during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study advances understanding of stability and change in loneliness among a North American sample of individuals aged 65 and older faced with the unique challenges of social isolation. These results can inform public health policy in anticipation of future pandemics and highlight the need for targeted intervention to address acute loneliness among older populations.

Loneliness, love attitudes and satisfaction with love life among university students in palestine: Gender differences

The association between loneliness, love styles and satisfaction with love life among Palestinian university students was examined in this study. Gender differences in loneliness, love styles and satisfaction with love life was examined as well as the relationship among these variables. The study included 500 students (63.6% females and 36.4% males), aged between 18 and 26 years. Data were collected using the Loneliness Scale (UCLA), Love Attitudes Scale (LAS), Satisfaction with Love Life Scale (SWLLS) and a Demographic Information Form. Analyses showed that there were no gender differences in loneliness. Significant gender differences were found on ludic, males were more in their love styles than were females. Loneliness was negatively associated with Eros, Storge and Pragma love styles, and with satisfaction with love life. Multiple regression analysis indicated that all the variables accounted for 18% of the variance in loneliness scores. Satisfaction with love life appears to be the best predictor of university student’s loneliness.

The Relationship between Loneliness, Self-Efficacy, and Satisfaction with Life in Left-Behind Middle School Students in China: Taking Binhai County of Jiangsu Province as an Example

Objective: To explore the relationship between loneliness, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with life of Left-behind middle school students in China. Methods: A cluster random sampling method was used to study students from Left-behind middle schools in Binhai County of Jiangsu Province. The loneliness scale, general self-efficacy scale, and satisfaction with life scale were used to conduct questionnaire surveys. Results: Compared with non-left behind middle school students, Left-behind middle school students had higher loneliness, lower self-efficacy, and satisfaction with life. There were significant gender differences in loneliness and satisfaction with life of the two types of students. Whether to live in school or not had an insignificant impact on the loneliness and satisfaction with life of Left-behind middle school students. Loneliness had a significant negative predictive effect on the satisfaction with Left-behind middle school students’ life and self-efficacy. In predicting satisfaction with life by loneliness, self-efficacy generally played a part of the mediating role, which could partially buffer the adverse effects of loneliness on student satisfaction with life. Conclusion: The mental health of left-behind middle school students should arouse the common concern of family, school and society. Try to do some intervention counseling in reducing the experience of loneliness and enhancing the sense of self-efficacy to improve their satisfaction with life and maintain a positive mental state.

Gender Differences in Loneliness across the Lifespan: A Meta–Analysis

Different theoretical contentions on gender differences in loneliness exist, often including the emergence of gender differences in particular developmental periods. To explain those ideas, the current meta–analysis synthesizes the available evidence on gender differences in loneliness across the lifespan. Three–level meta–analyses were conducted with 751 effect sizes, covering 399,798 individuals (45.56% males). Results showed a close–to–zero overall effect ( g = 0.07). Most examined moderators were non–significant, except for age, the scope of the sampling area, and year of publication. Most importantly, all effects were small, suggesting that across the lifespan mean levels of loneliness are similar for males and females.

Gender differences in loneliness, anger, depression, self-management ability and biomarkers of chronic illness in chronically ill mid-life adults in Appalachia

AimsThis study describes gender differences and relationships among loneliness, anger, depression, self-management ability and biomarkers of chronic illness in chronically ill mid-life adults in Appalachia. BackgroundLoneliness predicts poor health, functional decline, and mortality in adults. Though self-management ability is linked to improved health outcomes, a gap existed when examining how loneliness impacts self-management ability (SMA). MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 90 patients from a primary care center. Instruments measured loneliness, anger, depression, and SMA. Measures were taken for BMI, blood pressure, and glucose. Descriptive and hierarchical multiple regression was used to test hypotheses. ResultsParticipants were majority female (68%), white (89%), married (52%), employed (66%), and impoverished (70%). They were moderately lonely (M = 41.29, SD 12.13) and men were lonelier than women (p < .01). Men and women did not differ on anger, depressive symptoms, or SMA. Anger (5.64, SD 7.32) and depressive symptoms (M = 5.89, SD 5.54) were low. Loneliness positively correlated with anger (r = 0.415, p < .01) and depression (r = 0.558, p < .01), and inversely related to subscales of SMA (p < .01) [taking initiative (TI), investment behavior (IB), variety (V), multifunctionality (MF), self-efficacy (SE), and positive frame of mind (PM)]. After controlling for age, anger, and depression, loneliness was explanatory for poorer SMA (R squared change = 0.32, F change (1, 67) = 47.67, p < .001). ConclusionsLoneliness impacts SMA and should be included in the care planning or study of chronically ill adults who struggle with self-management.

Relationship between loneliness and symptoms of anxiety and depression in African American men and women: Evidence for gender as a moderator

We examined for gender differences in loneliness and negative affective conditions, namely, symptoms of anxiety and depression, in 168 African American college students. Gender differences were examined as a predictor of negative affective conditions and as a moderator of the relationship between loneliness and negative affective conditions. Although no significant differences were found in levels of loneliness and negative affective conditions between African American men and women, results of regression analyses indicated that gender differences significantly predicted anxious and depressive symptoms. Moreover, a significant Gender×Loneliness interaction effect was found in predicting both anxious and depressive symptoms. Specifically, higher levels of anxious and depressive symptoms were found among lonely African American women, compared to men. These findings suggest that the negative psychological effects of loneliness may be particularly more damaging for African American women than men. Understanding the unique challenges of African American women, compared to men, as a double minority is discussed.

Correlates of Loneliness among Adults of Childbearing Age

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between loneliness, pet attitude (PA), and Desire For Children (DFC) among adults of childbearing age. Method: A descriptive correlational design was utilized to conduct an online survey utilizing version 3 of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Pet Attitude Scale and the Modified Index of Parenthood Motivation. Demographic factors such as age, gender and race were collected. Results: A total of 215 participants, mainly women (n=183, 85%), were on average 31.61 (SD=8.38) years old. The following statistically significant positive relationships were identified: loneliness with DFC (r=.18, p=.00), DFC with PA (r=.29, p=.00), gender with loneliness (r=.18, p=.01), race with PA (r=.36, p=.01), and DFC (r=.20, p=.01). Loneliness was not related to age or race. Pet attitude and DFC were not related to age or gender. Increased loneliness was reported among women. African Americans reported decreased PA (p=.000) and decreased DFC (p=.00). Conclusions: Women of childbearing age reported more loneliness than men of the same age. Participants with increased loneliness reported increased DFC. Moreover, participants reporting increased DFC also reported positive attitudes toward pets. Gender differences in loneliness and racial differences in PA and DFC emphasize the need for gender- and race-specific interventions targeting adults of childbearing age.

Social-Emotional Loneliness and Life Satisfaction

The intent of this study was to examine the effects of social and emotional loneliness on life satisfaction. Gender differences in loneliness is examined, too. A sample of 396 (172 male, 224 female) university students were selected from Shiraz University. The short version of Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults(SELSA-S); the Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS); and Demographic Information Form. Results of the independent t-test revealed that gender has an effect on loneliness levels of the students and male students reported significantly greater emotional loneliness than female students. In addition, the results of stepwise regression, indicated that social and emotional loneliness were significant negative predictors of the life satisfaction, however emotional loneliness was stronger predictor, rather than social loneliness.

Gender differences in loneliness and depression of university students seeking counselling

Abstract Gender differences in loneliness and depression were examined among university students seeking counselling. The short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were completed by 325 counselling seekers (107 males and 218 females) in Israel. Males were significantly higher in loneliness than females, while females were significantly higher in depression than males. The greater loneliness of male counselling-seekers than that of females is discussed, as well as the possibility of a response set. Implications for assessment and counselling are suggested.

Gender differences in loneliness and depression of university students seeking counselling

Abstract Gender differences in loneliness and depression were examined among university students seeking counselling. The short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were completed by 325 counselling seekers (107 males and 218 females) in Israel. Males were significantly higher in loneliness than females, while females were significantly higher in depression than males. The greater loneliness of male counselling-seekers than that of females is discussed, as well as the possibility of a response set. Implications for assessment and counselling are suggested.

Differences in Social Support and Loneliness in Adolescents According to Developmental Stage and Gender

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in both perceived social support and loneliness according to the three stages of adolescent development (early, middle, and late), as determined by chronological age and gender. The sample consisted of 113 early adolescents, 106 middle adolescents, and 106 late adolescents. Data were collected in classroom settings. All participants responded to the PRQ85--Part II, A Social Support Measure; the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale; and a demographic data sheet. Results of the study, which used the two-way analysis of variance, indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in perceived social support or loneliness across the three stages of adolescence. Findings also indicated that girls reported statistically significantly higher levels of perceived social support than boys; however, there were no statistically significant gender differences in loneliness.

Sex Differences in Adolescent Depression and Loneliness: Why Are Boys Lonelier if Girls Are More Depressed?

Depression and loneliness are two characteristic problems of adolescence. However, beginning in adolescence, girls experience depression at twice the rate of boys. Since depression and loneliness are highly correlated, it is surprising that girls are not also lonelier than boys. In fact, when gender differences do emerge, it is boys, not girls, who tend to be lonelier. We examined two possible explanations for this paradox: (1) a gender-specific response bias, characterized by a denial of emotional distress for boys that differentially affects reports of depression versus loneliness, and (2) gender differences in the relationship between depression and loneliness, whereby depression has a greater association with loneliness for boys than girls. Support was obtained for explanation two. Although there were no gender differences in loneliness among the nondepressed or the highly depressed, mildly depressed boys were significantly lonelier than mildly depressed girls and just as lonely as highly depressed boys. This depression/loneliness distinction for mildly depressed girls may be magnified by the large number of female depressives (65% in this sample) who fall into the mildly depressed range. Girls were also more likely than boys to report turning to their friends when feeling depressed, and results are discussed in terms of coping processes that may subserve the distinction between depression and loneliness.

Loneliness in Marriage

Earlier studies of loneliness have obtained quite confusing results about gender differences. This might be due to the fact that many earlier studies have used very limited and special samples. In the present study of 2795 representative Swedes, 15-80 years of age, it is found that there certainly is a gender difference in loneliness, but that this difference is restricted to married individuals between 20 and 49 years of age. Several possible explanations of this observation are tested, among them the assumption that women more willingly acknowledge their loneliness. This explanation is refuted by the fact that the gender difference in loneliness was not general but was restricted to a certain group of married respondents. Other hypotheses of the causes of the observed gender differences in loneliness are related to assumptions of women having higher expectations for intimacy in a relationship and women having lower self-esteem. Even if gender differences are shown to exist in these respects, they do not explain the observed gender differences in loneliness, neither do differences in the social networks of men and women. The results of the study cannot rule out the remaining explanation, that the observed gender differences in loneliness are due not to social-psychological factors, but to a more basic difference in which men and women react to the stresses and strains in a relationship.

Gender Differences in Loneliness

Earlier studies on gender differences in loneliness appear to have produced contradictory results. However, when 39 existing data sets were classified according to whether they used the UCLA scale (N = 28) or a self-labeling measure (N = II) of loneliness, the results revealed a clear pattern. Statistically significant sex differences are not usually found with the UCLA scale, but, when they are found, males typically have higher loneliness scores. In terms of self-labeling, women more frequently than men admit being lonely. Sex role factors may help explain these seemingly contradictory results. Of the various possible explanations of the gender differences in self-labeled loneliness, most assume that social influence processes play a crucial role. To test this viewpoint, an experiment was conducted. Subjects (N = 117) were presented with a case history of a lonely person, which varied only the target person's sex. The subjects were more rejecting of a lonely male than of a lonely female. These results support the view that women are more apt to acknowledge their loneliness than men because the negative consequences of admitting loneliness are less for women.