Perception Of Loneliness Research Articles

Health-related quality of life in people with psychotic disorders: The role of loneliness and its contributors.

Perception of loneliness has been identified as the strongest predictor of health-related quality of life assessed with the Assessment of Quality of Life-4D in people with psychotic disorders. We aimed to establish contributors to perceived loneliness, and ascertain the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between identified contributors to loneliness and other known predictors of health-related quality of life with health-related quality of life. Data for 1642 people collected as part of the 2010 Australian National Survey of Psychosis were analysed. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Assessment of Quality of Life-4D, and loneliness through a single-item five-level categorical variable. To identify independent contributors to loneliness, a statistical model was constructed with reference to a theoretical model comprising 23 variables. A predictive model with health-related quality of life as the dependent variable was then developed and tested to assess the mediating role of loneliness. Nine contributors to loneliness were found (social dysfunction, experienced stigma, contact with friends, diagnosis, depressive symptoms, anxiety, mental health service utilisation, arthritis and traumatic events in childhood), with social dysfunction the strongest. In the prediction of health-related quality of life, all contributors to loneliness were partially mediated through loneliness (except service utilisation) as were negative symptoms and use of psychotropic/anticholinergic medications. Assuming a plausible causal model of mediation, loneliness was found to have direct and indirect effects on health-related quality of life in people with psychotic disorders. Findings add impetus to efforts to develop and trial strategies aimed at reducing loneliness in this population, and, in turn, improving their health-related quality of life.

The Perceptions and Self-management of Depressive Symptoms in Men: A Qualitative Study in a Province of Northeastern Thailand

Men and women may experience depression very differently. The previous studies found that women expressed emotional distress mean that they were more likely to be diagnosed with depression, while some men with depression tried to hide their emotions, so causing them to have delayed treatment. This qualitative research aimed to study the perception and management of depressive symptoms in Thai males before receiving treatment with psychiatric specialists. The participants who were diagnosed major depressive disorders and dysthymic disorders were 23 men by purposive sampling was used. Data were collected through in-depth interviews by a semi-structured interview, which was based on literature review and it was verified by advisor, the second author who experienced of qualitative study. Analyzed by content analysis based on the process of Colaizzi. The finding revealed that the perception and management of depressive symptoms were divided into 3 phases. Phrase 1 was the perception of abnormal symptoms affecting daily activities but an attempt to hide it and struggling for a normal life. Phrase 2 showed that Thai men’s perception of symptoms were thinking too much, ruminative thought causing suffering, and then trying to release the suffering and control ruminative thought. Phrase 3 was the perception of loneliness, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and then trying to seek help. Healthcare providers can use the findings as information for developing screening tools specific to Thai men. The information can also be used to develop psycho-education tools for close ones or family members to recognize and understand early symptoms so that care, assistance and access to treatment can be provided before severe depression is developed. The research was only carried out in 1 area, the results could not be generalized, besides that it could have multiple meanings or be biased if it was carried out in other areas with different cultures.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 Men and women may express symptoms of depression differently, women expressed emotional distress which meant that they were more likely to be diagnosed with depression, while some men with depression tried to hide their emotions
 The finding revealed that the perception and management of depressive symptoms were divided into 3 phases according to the duration and the perceived severity of the symptoms
 Phrase 1 was the perception of abnormal symptoms affecting daily activities but an attempt to hide it and struggling for a normal life. Phrase 2 showed that Thai men’s perception of symptoms were thinking too much, ruminative thought causing suffering, and then trying to release the suffering and control ruminative thought. Phrase 3 was the perception of loneliness, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and then trying to seek help

Impact of digital social media on the perception of loneliness and social isolation in older adults.

to synthesize knowledge about the use of social media and the perception of loneliness and/or social isolation in older adults. integrative literature review with primary studies published in full, in Portuguese, English or Spanish, between September 2014 and July 2020 in the databases: American Psychological Association Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases, Web of Science and PubMed. 11 articles were included, categorized based on the types of technologies: "the use of the Internet", encompassing social networking sites, the internet and applications; "communication devices", with the use of smartphones, tablets and iPads and "types of communication" covering the use of interpersonal means of communication in the digital age, such as video calls and emails. There were positive results (63.6%) regarding the use of social media to minimize the perception of loneliness and/or social isolation in the older adults. the scientific evidence shows that the use of digital social media can reduce the perception of loneliness and/or isolation in older adults. Furthermore, the internet can favor greater contact between the older adults and family members and can serve as a source of support, provide a greater sense of belonging in the community and reduce loneliness.

Impacto de mídias sociais digitais na percepção de solidão e no isolamento social em idosos

Objective: to synthesize knowledge about the use of social media and the perception of loneliness and/or social isolation in older adults. Method: integrative literature review with primary studies published in full, in Portuguese, English or Spanish, between September 2014 and July 2020 in the databases: American Psychological Association Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases, Web of Science and PubMed. Results: 11 articles were included, categorized based on the types of technologies: “the use of the Internet”, encompassing social networking sites, the internet and applications; “communication devices”, with the use of smartphones, tablets and iPads and “types of communication” covering the use of interpersonal means of communication in the digital age, such as video calls and emails. There were positive results (63.6%) regarding the use of social media to minimize the perception of loneliness and/or social isolation in the older adults. Conclusion: the scientific evidence shows that the use of digital social media can reduce the perception of loneliness and/or isolation in older adults. Furthermore, the internet can favor greater contact between the older adults and family members and can serve as a source of support, provide a greater sense of belonging in the community and reduce loneliness.

Who Cares? Perception of Loneliness in Patients Treated for Coronary Heart Disease

Social support is known to be essential to cope with the physical and psychological aftermath following coronary heart disease treatment. Consequently, patients experiencing loneliness may be placed in a vulnerable situation. The aim of this study was to provide insight into the nuances and complexity of loneliness and its impact on health behaviour in the early rehabilitation period following treatment. The study used a hermeneutic philosophical approach. Patients classified as lonely were interviewed in either a focus group (n = 7) or in an individual interview (n = 10). We analysed the empirical material using inductive content analysis. The analysis illuminated various dimensions of patients’ perceived loneliness; ‘Loneliness as an emotional pain’, ‘A changed, but unmet need for social support’ and ‘Striving for symmetry in relationships’. Loneliness negatively influenced patients’ ability to adapt to the critical event and manage health behaviour changes. Insight into the mechanisms that aggravate loneliness may inform future social support interventions.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LONELINESS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY CONDUCTED DURING THE FOURTH WAVE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN TURKEY

Introduction: This study aims to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, its influencing factors, and the relationship between loneliness, physical activity and depressive symptoms among individuals aged 65 years and above during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1093 older adults in Turkey. A Descriptive Data Form, the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly, the Geriatric Depression Scale-15, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly were used to collect data. In this study, the presence of depressive symptoms was the dependent variable; sociodemographic and individual characteristics, habits, history of chronic illness and COVID-19, perception of loneliness and physical activity level were independent variables. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among older adults was 66.8%. Depressive symptoms were 3.96 times higher among women, 8.06 times higher in urban areas, 2.56 times higher among those who had equal income and expenses, and 2.78 times higher among older adults who had less income than expenses. Depressive symptoms were further 1.98 times higher among those who had chronic diseases and 25.54 times higher among those diagnosed with COVID-19. Additionally, depressive symptoms increased by 23.24 times among those who did not have a hobby, and 1.53 times for each one-point increase in the level of loneliness. No relationship was found between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The results show that two out of three older adults were depressed. Characteristics such as having had COVID-19, loneliness, and hobbies, were significant influencing factors of depressive symptoms among older adults. There is a need to adopt feasible and protective policies that cater to the needs and control the risk factors of older adults during the pandemic. Keywords: Depression; Loneliness; Aged; Exercise.

Loneliness Level and Its Associated Factors in Patients With Hemodialysis.

The purpose of this study was to examine the level of loneliness and its relationship with socioeconomic and health conditions, social support, family functionality, and depressive symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This cross-sectional study involved analysis of a secondary data, collected in 2019 among 80 patients with CKD on hemodialysis. Participants completed the following instruments: socio-demographic, economic, and health condition characterization, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Family APGAR. On average, the sample was mostly female (55%), white (65%), and the mean age was 59.63 years. In the perception of loneliness, the highest index was (55%), moderately high. Social support scored the worst in the Positive Social Interaction domain. The prevalance of severe depression was approximately 29%. Family functioning was positive, with a good score (69%). There was a weak negative correlation between loneliness and all domains of Social Support, besides Family Functioning.

Cognitive Models of Loneliness in Women in Early and Middle Adulthood

The problem of loneliness is caused by a disunity and alienation of modern society, dissatisfaction with the basic social needs for acceptance and support. The fact that the subjective feeling of loneliness does not coincide with the real degree of social isolation determines the need to study the cognitive aspects. The aim of this study is to show the role of cognitive structures in loneliness in women. A survey of 144 women aged 26-55 years was conducted. Using the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Differential Loneliness Experience Questionnaire, loneliness was measured as a global experience, positive and negative attitudes towards it. Cognitive models were studied using the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, Young Schema Questionnaire, the author’s questionnaire that reveals cultural myths and gender stereotypes about loneliness. A comparative analysis of the groups showed no differences in the perception of loneliness among women with different family situations; it also does not depend on having children and their number. Age was found to be a significant determinant of perceptions of loneliness and family circumstances. Cognitive models influence women’s loneliness to a greater extent than family situation. The publication describes correlations between perceived loneliness and individual dysfunctional attitudes, and builds regression models of predictors of loneliness in different age groups. The study shows the prevalence of cultural stereotypes about the need for marriage and motherhood, and a special female vulnerability in relationships. The construct “tolerance to loneliness” is proposed and described, which reveals the positive potential of this experience for self-knowledge and self-development.

Loneliness and Related Factors among Vocational School Students

Abstract In this study, we aimed to determine the factors affecting the loneliness levels of university students studying at vocational schools and to determine the relationship between the loneliness and social support. The data of this cross-sectional study were collected from students studying at a vocational school of a university in Turkey. Data were collected with the “Data Registration Form”, “UCLA Loneliness Scale”, and “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support”. As a result of this study a high level of loneliness was determined. This study revealed that the gender, the place of residence, the status of receiving scholarships/loans and the education level of mothers significantly affected loneliness perception levels of the students. Another result of this study was that there was no significant relationship between the total score and subscale scores of the multidimensional perceived social support scale and perception of loneliness.

Healthcare Professionals' Perceptions of Loneliness amongst Older Adults: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Loneliness amongst older adults is linked to poor health outcomes and constitutes a public health issue worldwide. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions could influence the strategies they implement in order to prevent, detect and manage loneliness amongst older adults. The aim of this study was to describe and understand healthcare professionals’ perceptions of loneliness amongst older adults. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study. Twenty-six Spanish healthcare professionals with experience caring for older adults participated in the study. Data were collected between November 2019 and September 2020 using focus groups and in-depth interviews. Data were analysed following a content analysis method using ATLAS.ti software. Results: Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of loneliness amongst older adults is represented by three themes: (1) “when one’s personal life and social context lead to loneliness”; (2) “from abandonment to personal growth: the two faces of loneliness”; and (3) “loneliness as a health issue that needs to be addressed”. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals perceive loneliness as a multifactorial, subjective experience that can trigger different coping mechanisms and negatively affect older people’s health. Healthcare professionals consider that a greater involvement of the whole society is needed in order to fight loneliness amongst older adults as a public health issue.

Effect of group work on coping with loneliness

ABSTRACT This study aims to reduce the loneliness level of university students using group therapy. UCLA Loneliness Scale was applied to a sample of 42 university students. Ten students with the highest score were interviewed one-to-one and informed about the aims and stages of the group work. Six students who agreed to participate in therapy were subjected to a five-session study. At the end of the study period, UCLA Loneliness Scale was re-applied to the students. The outcomes of the group work revealed a downward trend in the loneliness scale scores of the participants. It was observed that the students participating in the group work had a reduced perception of loneliness.

Psychological stress in mothers of neonates admitted to an intensive care unit

Introduction. The admission of the newborn to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) leads to maternal stress. This stress has deleterious consequences on the mother and the appropriate attachment with her child. Objective. To assess the relationship of mothers’ sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, and psychiatric factors, as well as neonates’ clinical aspects with the level of psychological stress perceived by mothers of neonates admitted to the NICU. Method. Cross-sectional study with 47 women over the age of 18, whose infants had been admitted to a NICU during the last 72 hours. Bivariate correlations and a multivariate linear model with the significant variables in the bivariate analyses where performed. Results. According to the multivariate model, the perception of loneliness and the presence of at least one psychiatric diagnosis (depressive episode, dysthymia, generalized anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, acute stress disorder, or substance use disorder) were associated with maternal stress. Problem-focused coping strategies were relevant within the model and could have protective value against stress. The model explained 73.5% of the stress severity variance ( F 38.848; p Discussion and conclusion. Stress in mothers of newborns admitted to a NICU is related to their feeling of loneliness and mental health. The mothers’ need for support and psychopathology are aspects to be considered when providing care to the newborns and their families. Training in coping strategies focused on specific situations could contribute to the reduction of mothers’ stress.

Psychological stress in mothers of neonates admitted to an intensive care unit

Introduction. The admission of the newborn to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) leads to maternal stress. This stress has deleterious consequences on the mother and the appropriate attachment with her child. Objective. To assess the relationship of mothers’ sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, and psychiatric factors, as well as neonates’ clinical aspects with the level of psychological stress perceived by mothers of neonates admitted to the NICU. Method. Cross-sectional study with 47 women over the age of 18, whose infants had been admitted to a NICU during the last 72 hours. Bivariate correlations and a multivariate linear model with the significant variables in the bivariate analyses where performed. Results. According to the multivariate model, the perception of loneliness and the presence of at least one psychiatric diagnosis (depressive episode, dysthymia, generalized anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, acute stress disorder, or substance use disorder) were associated with maternal stress. Problem-focused coping strategies were relevant within the model and could have protective value against stress. The model explained 73.5% of the stress severity variance (F 38.848; p

'The threat is in all of us': Perceptions of loneliness and divided communities in urban and rural areas during COVID-19.

Loneliness is becoming recognised as an important social issue with health and well‐being consequences. The recent and ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has likely impacted loneliness through increased social isolation, though the effects may vary across urban and rural locations, where the dynamics of social capital, community cohesion and community divide are likely to differ. This paper consequently examines the different and compounding impacts of isolating disasters, such as bushfires and pandemics, on social capital and loneliness in urban and rural areas of Australia. This article compares experiences of loneliness in rural/regional and urban areas of Australia moving from the aftermath of the 2019–2020 bushfires into the COVID‐19 pandemic. Semi‐structured interviews provide a complex insight into how loneliness is experienced across different locations. The key findings included a higher sense of social divide exacerbating loneliness in rural communities, higher levels of loneliness among participants who lived alone in either area. It was concluded that loneliness was experienced extensively among those who were single and/or lived alone, regardless of their geographical location.

Gender Differences in Nutritional, Odontological and Psychological Patterns of Adolescent Students during COVID-19 Pandemic

This research aimed to explore gender differences in nutritional, odontological and psychological patterns of adolescent students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to achieve the study’s aim, 127 adolescent students (17.61 ± 7.43 years) completed an online questionnaire which analysed variables regarding their psychological, nutritional, oral health, and physical activity profiles and habits during the COVID-19 crisis. Students showed a higher weekly alcohol consumption and higher levels of loneliness perception when alcohol consumption was lower. In addition, experimental avoidance and psychological inflexibility values were lower when the perception of having dry mouth or lack of saliva is higher. The results also show that males presented a more varied intake of food than females and a stronger adherence to physical activity routines. Female students presented a lower number of meals per day when beer and alcohol consumption was higher, and a higher tendency for fat- and sugar-rich foods such as fast food or bakery products than males. Regarding the oral health profile, females showed higher values in daily tooth brushing and no significant differences were found in dry mouth and gastritis variables. The results from the present study could be used by various educational institutions to implement multidisciplinary interventions to develop healthier habits.

Examining the role of ICT usage in loneliness perception and mental health of the elderly in China

Loneliness and mental health are critical concerns for the elderly, but not much is known about this issue in China. This research empirically examines the role of information communication technology (ICT) among elderly users in the Chinese context, with a specific focus on the interplay between ICT and social isolation, in determining elders' loneliness and mental health. Survey data collected from 304 elderly participants in China show that ICT plays a significant yet complicated role in understanding the loneliness and mental health of elderly people. The findings indicate that ICT usage reduces loneliness perception, and this effect can be strengthened by elders' ICT self-efficacy. Furthermore, ICT usage strengthens the effect of social isolation on perceived loneliness, which is counterintuitive to common sense. Practitioners are advised to devote more attention to elderly people's mental health through promoting their online information communication channel usage and improving their ICT self-efficacy.

Mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of social distancing on the occurrence of symptoms of anxiety and depression reported in scientific production available in 2020, describing and analyzing the main triggering factors of mental health problems/diseases in the period of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The method used was an integrative literature review, with searches in Lilacs, SciELO, Medline, and PubMed databases. The following descriptors were used for the selection of publications: Social Distancing, Anxiety, and Depression, used in combination in the search strategy. To refine the search, filters were used: full text; Language Portuguese, English, and Spanish; Main subject; Type of document, with an article as the only type of literature accepted; Year of Publication 2020. This research identified 37 studies later categorized into five main themes: Physical Inactivity, Reduction of social contact and face-to-face interactions, Financial concerns and economic vulnerability, Loneliness, and Alcohol Consumption. The major impacts of social distancing on mental health were the drastic change in routine, favoring sedentary behavior, and limitation in interpersonal contact indicated in many studies as a generator of a high prevalence of harmful psychological effects, especially depression, anxiety, irritability, and irritability episodes of insomnia. The perception of loneliness as a consequence of the period of social distancing was also identified by most studies as associated with anxious and depressive outcomes and with an increased risk of suicidal ideation, as well as the increased use of alcohol, widely used as an escape from reality in the current context of economic resection, unemployment, indebtedness, and death of family and friends by COVID-19.

Loneliness Perception Is Lower Among Ballroom Dancers Aged > 50 Years

Loneliness is a distressing feeling related to a lack of satisfying in human relationships. It is associated with poor psychological and biological outcomes. A range of evidence has shown that physical activity (PA) is a potential strategy to reduce loneliness in middle-aged and older adults. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of information concerning the effect of specific physical exercise programs on loneliness, particularly about those performed in groups. PURPOSE: To compare loneliness between adults aged 50+ who are engaged in ballroom dancing classes and non-dancers who are also not involved in any regular exercise program. METHODS: A cross sectional study encompassing 49 middle-aged and older adults (64.55 ± 6.55 yrs; 67.3% females) practitioners of ballroom dancing classes twice a week, for at least 1 year (N = 25; 65.16 ± 6.01 yrs) and non-dancers (not involved in any exercise program for at least 1 year) [N = 24(63.91 ± 7.15 yrs; p > 0.05)]. Self-report data on socio-demographics, loneliness [UCLA Loneliness Questionnaire (ULS-16)] and PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-SV) were collected via telephone interviews. Participants’ loneliness score was dichotomized into social isolation (>32 score) and affinity (≤32 score). Between groups comparisons were performed using chi-square, t-test and ANCOVA adjusted for sex, age, living alone and moderate to vigorous PA. RESULTS: Ballroom dancers had higher moderate to vigorous PA compared to non-dancers (111.60 ± 86.92 vs 27.50 ± 99.66 min/day, respectively; p = 0.003). After adjustments, ballroom dancers had a significant lower loneliness mean score compared to non-dancers (29.94 ± 1.44 vs 35.93 ± 1.55 score, respectively; p = 0.01; η2 = 0.149). CONCLUSIONS: Ballroom dancing seems to contribute to an increase in moderate to vigorous PA and satisfaction in human relationships. Thus, ballroom dancing might be a strategy to improve physical and psycho-emotional outcomes in adults aged 50 + .

Who cares? Perception of loneliness in patients treated for coronary heart disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): University hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet research grant Background When patients are treated for Coronary heart disease (CHD), social support is known to be essential for them to adapt mentally and behaviourally to this critical event (1, 2). However, a substantial part of the CHD population experience loneliness in their everyday life, which places them in a vulnerable situation in the early rehabilitation period, as this period is characterized by an increased need for practical, informational and emotional support (3, 4) . Aim To provide insight into the nuances and complexity of loneliness, as well as the impact on health behaviour, in the early rehabilitation period following CHD treatment. Method This qualitative study has a philosophical hermeneutic approach. Patients classified as lonely during hospitalization in a social support questionnaire, were interviewed 8-12 weeks following discharge in either focus group (n = 7) or individual interview (n = 10) sessions. The empirical material was analysed using inductive content analysis. Results The analysis of the data produced three themes: i) A life in loneliness, ii) The changed, but unmet, need for social support, iii) Symmetry and asymmetry in relationships. Each theme contained of three sub-themes. A consistent finding was participants’ experience of shock related to the CHD event and the fundamental uncertainty to which it led, which increased the feeling of loneliness as an emotional pain. Participants experienced loneliness, not in relation to the lack of quantity of social network members, but in relation to the deficient quality of the relationships. In this regard, they described mutual and complimentary mechanisms that impacted how and from whom they could receive adequate social support. Participants described how dyadic relational mechanisms could either promote or limit who they could ask for social support as they experienced a need for reciprocity in the relationship, in order to receive practical and emotional support. Furthermore, a main finding was the participants experience on how loneliness affected their abilities to adapt to the critical event and manage health behavioural changes in the rehabilitation period. Conclusion In patients with coronary heart disease, loneliness is experienced as an emotional pain that negatively influenced the ability to adapt to the critical event and manage health behavioural changes. Participants assessed societal, dyadic and psychological mechanisms to impact their access to support from social network members. Perspective Insight into the patients’ experience of loneliness and the mechanisms mediating loneliness can enhance nursing care practice and inform future social support interventions.

COVID-19 Lockdown Effect on Not Institutionalized Patients with Dementia and Caregivers.

SARS-COV-2 is a severe medical condition. Old patients are very vulnerable, but they have been studied only as institutionalized patients. During the lock-down, little attention is dedicated to old, demented patients who lived at home. This study wants to examine their behavioral reactions by video-phone follow-up. We conducted a longitudinal study in subcortical vascular dementia (sVAD) patients. We enrolled 221 sVAD, not institutionalized patients. We divided sVAD patients into low-medium grade sVAD (A) and severe sVAD (B), based on neuroimaging severity degree and executive alterations. At baseline, at the end of lock-down, and two months later, global behavioral symptoms were recorded for each patient. We found significantly higher scores of general behavioral deterioration, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations and apathy after controlling for sVAD severity. The direct consequence was a drastic increment of psychotropic drugs prescribed and employed during the lock-down. Moreover, caregivers’ stress has been evaluated, together with their anxiety and depression levels. During the lock-down, their scores increased and reflected a severe worsening of their behavior. Our data demonstrate that social isolation induces a severe perception of loneliness and abandonment; these fears can exacerbate behavior disturbances in old-aged frail persons. Thus, these can be considered as indirect victims of SARS-COV-2.