Social Support Scale Research Articles

대학생 생활 스트레스와 심리적 안녕감의 관계에서 자기자비와 사회적 지지가 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to provide basic data to find ways to contribute to the psychological well-being of college students by examining the relationship between college life stress, psychological well-being, self-compassion, and social support, and exploring the effects of self-compassion and social support in the relationship between college life stress and psychological well-being. The subject of this study was a university student living in Korea, and 351 copies of the 360 questionnaires collected online and offline were analyzed. As measurement tools, the college life stress scale, the psychological well-being scale, the self-compassion scale, and the social support scale were used. For the collected data, descriptive statistical analysis, t-test, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis were performed using SPSS 20.0. The results of this study are summarized as follows. First, there was a significant correlation between college life stress, psychological well-being, self-compassion, and social support. Second, there was a significant moderating effect of self-compassion in the relationship between college life stress and psychological well-being. Third, the moderating effect of social support was not significant in the relationship between college life stress and psychological well-being. Finally, the implications, significance, and limitations of this study were discussed, and suggestions for further research were made.

보육교사의 사회적 지지와 회복탄력성이 영유아 문제행동 지도전략에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of social support and resilience of childcare teachers on the guidance strategies for children's problem behaviors. Data from 164 childcare teachers who working in daycare centers in Gyeonggi and Chungnam. The research tools were the Social Support Scale, the Resilience Scale (KRQ-53), and the Children Problem Behavior Guidance Strategy Scale, and the data were analyzed using correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis with SPSS 23.0. The results were as follows. First, the social support and resilience of childcare teachers were higher than average, and among the guidance strategies for children's problem behaviors, the positive guidance strategies were high and the negative guidance strategies were low. Second, among the guidance strategies for problem behavior of children, positive guidance strategies showed a significant positive correlation with social support and resilience, and negative guidance strategies showed negative correlations with social support, but no significant correlation with resilience was shown. Third, the effect of social support and resilience of childcare teachers on the guidance strategy of problem behavior of children were confirmed as a predictor variable of positive guidance strategies, and negative guidance strategies did not appear as significant predictors of both social support and resilience. Based on the results of this study, institutional support is required for the development and field application of teacher education programs to restore teachers' resilience so that they can strengthen positive guidance strategies for problem behaviors of children.

Validation of the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale in Portuguese Women with Cervical Cancer

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer impacts not only women, but also the couple’s dynamics. It is therefore important to assess the couple’s adjustment to the disease. Objective: This study assessed the validity of the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) in a sample of 140 Portuguese women diagnosed with cervical cancer engaged in a romantic relationship. Methods: The sample included 140 women that answered the following instruments: RDAS, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30), Satisfaction with Social Support Scale (SSSS), Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) and Experiences in Close Relationships Scale Short-Form. Results: The content validity analysis indicated high levels of agreement between experts. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a model that included all items saturating in the respective original subscales. Cronbach alphas ranged from acceptable to good (.73-.88), and both convergent and divergent evidence were also good. Conclusion: Overall, the Portuguese RDAS showed good psychometric properties corroborating the original factor solution, and may be considered a resource to assess couple’s adjustment to cervical cancer, in research and clinical contexts. Keywords: Dyadic adjustment, Psychometric Properties, Cervical cancer.

HUBUNGAN DUKUNGAN SOSIAL DENGAN KECEMASAN PADA ANAK BERHADAPAN HUKUM (ABH) DI LEMBAGA PEMBINAAN KHUSUS ANAK (LPKA) KELAS 1 BLITAR

This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between social support and anxiety in Children Against the Law at LPKA class 1 Blitar. This analysis uses the independent variable social support. The dependent variable is anxiety. This research is a type of quantitative research using correlational quantitative methods. The sampling technique in this study used the sampel jenuh method where all populations were used as a whole. with a sample of 61 children facing the law. The subjects in this study were children facing the law aged 14-18 years and. The instruments in this study are the Social Support scale and the anxiety scale. The data analysis technique uses spearman’s rho non parametric correlation test analysis with the help of SPSS version 16.0 for Windows. The correlation coefficient result is -0.832 which shows that the level of correlation coefficient in this study has a negative relationship, with a significance level of 0.000 (p = <0.05). This means that the higher the level of social support owned by ABH, the lower the ABH will experience anxiety. Conversely, if the lower the social support

A contribution of optimism and social support to adversity quotient

The difficulties experienced by students often make them want to give up or even run away from a problem. If someone wants to achieve success, he must have high fighting power in order to get maximum results. The ability of students to survive in difficult times is needed to be able to overcome these challenges.The purpose of this study was to analyze the contribution of optimism and social support to the adversity quotient of SMA Negeri 2 Banjarmasin students. This study uses a quantitative approach to the type of correlational research. The data collection tool used a social support and adversity question scale questionnaire, a sample of 306 was obtained from 1,039 students of SMA Negeri 2 Banjarmasin using the proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Data analysis techniques using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The results of the study stated that the contribution of optimism and social support to the adversity quotient was 70.9%, meaning that students had an optimistic attitude due to social support so they were able to show their adversity questient. If students are able to face and the environment provides encouragement or assistance then they have an optimistic attitude and high social support.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND CREATIVE THINKING SKILLS IN NURSING STUDENTS

This study was conducted in order to examine the relationship between perceived social support and creative thinking skills in nursing students. The descriptive and corelational study was carried out with 306 nursing students. Data were collected using a multidimensional scale of perceived social support and a creative thinking skills scale. The average perceived social support score of the students was the highest in the second year, and lowest in the fourth year. No significant difference was determined in the average score obtained from the creative thinking skill scale according to the grade level, and because the average score of all classes was between 40-64 points, all the students were classified as "above average level of creativity". The highest average scores were seen in fourth-grade students. There was no statistically significant relationship between the multidimensional perceived social support scale total score, sub-dimension scores, and creative thinking skills scale mean scores of the nursing students (p˃0.05). These results can be considered important in terms of showing the positive effect of nursing education on creativity, as the students were seen to be classified as above-average creativity and their creativity levels increased with increasing education.

Examining the Factors Influencing the Stress Levels in Families of Children with Autism

This study examines the influence of coping strategies, social support systems and family resilience levels on the perceived stress levels of Turkish families of children with autism. The sample of this cross-sectional study consists of 213 mothers and 87 fathers of children diagnosed with autism. Perceived Stress Scale, Coping Styles Scale Short Form, Revised Parent Social Support Scale and Family Resilience Scale Turkish Forms were used. In the analysis of the data, the normal distribution was examined and used in multiple regression analysis techniques for predicting the dependent variable based on the independent variables to understand the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Regression analysis revealed that the number of children and diagnosis age of the child with autism positively affect the family stress level. All of these variables explained 14% of the total variance. One of the most important findings of this study is that the stress levels of mothers were found to be higher than fathers. Parents' age, education, income level, number in the birth order of child with autism, time of autism noticed, active and passive coping methods and family resiliency negatively affected family stress level. In addition, further study is needed to investigate psychosocial interventions that decrease stress levels and facilitate active coping strategies among families who have children with autism.

DETERMINANTS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL REACTIONS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS POST COVID-19: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: To identify the mediating role of Perceived Social Support in Psychological Strength and Psychosocial Reactions in university students post COVID-19. Study Design: Cross-sectional (correlation) research design was used. Place and Duration of study: The data was collected from November 2021 to January 2022 from different state and private universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Subject and Method: The purposive sample of N=150 (men=70 and women=80) university students studying in first and last year of 18-24 years old (M=20.75, SD=1.76) were drawn from different public and private universities of Lahore. Data was collected using Psychological Strength Scale (PSS; Bashir, 2020), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS; Zimet et al., 19 88) and Psychosocial Reactions Scale (PRS; Mahmood et al., 2020). Data was analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: Of the 150 participants, 70(46.7%) were men and 80(53.3%) were women. The overall mean age was 20.75 ± 1.76 years. Pearson Product Moment Correlation revealed that a significant negative relation of Psychological Strength and Perceived Social Support with Psychosocial Reactions. Psychological Strength and Perceived Social Support had positive significant relationship (r= .68***), but a negative relationship between Perceived Social Support and Psychosocial Reactions (r= -.56***) and Psychological Strength with Psychosocial Reactions (r= -.33***) was also found in university students post COVID-19. Mediation analysis showed that Perceived Social Support fully mediated the relation among Psychological Strength and Psychosocial Reactions (p<.001). Conclusion: Study implicates that by increasing Psychological Strength and Perceived Social Support in university students we could reduce Psychosocial Reactions faced by them.

Multiple mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between self-esteem and positivity

The aim of this study is to investigate the multiple mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between self-esteem and positivity in current university students. This study included a total of 243 students studying at different universities across Turkey during 2020-2021 academic year and 96 of participants were female (39.5%) while 147 were male (60.5%). Research data were collected via Personal Information Form, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Multi-Dimensional Perceived Social Support Scale and Positivity Scale. In the analysis of research data Descriptive Statistics, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, Ordinary Least Squares Regression-based approach and Bootstrap Method were employed. Based on the findings collected from research, it can be claimed that social support perceived from family and social support perceived from someone special mediated the relationship between self-esteem and positivity. It was thus determined that social support perceived from family is a stronger mediator than social support perceived from someone special. It also became clear that social support perceived from friends had no mediation role. Findings of the research were discussed and interpreted and suggestions were shared with relevant researchers in the final part of this study.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of promoted psychological resilience intervention for oesophageal cancer patients in rural China: A randomized controlled study

PurposeThe objective of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effectiveness of promoted resilience intervention to facilitate resilience, self-efficacy, coping mode, and social support for oesophageal cancer patients in rural China. MethodsA two-arm, parallel design, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted in a comprehensive tertiary hospital in Anhui from August 2021 to September 2022. A total of 82 oesophageal cancer patients were assigned to two groups via blocked randomization. The intervention group (n = 41) received the Promoted Psychological Resilience Intervention based on survivors' experiences and the control group (n = 41) received routine care. Study data were collected using the sociodemographic information, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Strategies Used by People to Promote Health, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, and Perceived Social Support Scale. ResultsThe groups were well-balanced at baseline. Post-intervention and three months after intervention, the resilience, self-efficacy, acceptance-resignation, and social support were all significantly different in the intervention and control groups (p < 0.05 for each). The main effect of group, time, and the interaction between group and time was statistically significant in the scores of resilience, self-efficacy, acceptance-resignation, and social support, except for the factor of self-determination and friends support (p < 0.05 for each). ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that an intervention program based on the experiences of long-term oesophageal cancer survivors can promote patients' resilience.

Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme: Evaluation of a Multi Stakeholder Intervention to Ageing in Place

Introduction: Healthy Age Friendly Homes (HAFH) Phase 1 Pilot is a pilot programme aimed at creating a service to identify older people living at home and supporting them to age in place. It is a multi-stakeholder project, evaluated by Maynooth University and funded by Sláintecare, with the programme being delivered by Age Friendly Ireland hosted by Meath County Council. &#x0D; There were 768,900 persons living in Ireland aged 65 and over in April 2022, an increase of 139,100 older people since 2016. With an increasing population of older people; increased supports and services are required to adapt to this change. The aim of this programme was to take a multi-pronged approach encompassing health, housing, community and social supports, and technology, to support older people to remain independent at home, for as long as possible. &#x0D; Recruitment: A sample of convenience was sought across 9 counties. A National Manager and 9 Local Co-ordinators were appointed by Age Friendly Ireland, who conducted a series of awareness campaigns to encourage older people to self-refer into the programme. In addition, a multi stakeholder recruitment approach was utilised, working with services such as personnel in local government, health services, transport, community and voluntary groups, Gardaí, elected members and others, to identify those in communities who may benefit from the programme. &#x0D; Methods: Participants received a home visit from one of 9 Local Co-ordinators who conducted a personal assessment with each individual, covering the four key domains of health, housing, community/social and technology needs. Work orders were prepared based on individual needs assessments including referral to services such as befriending teams, health practitioners and assistance with completion of documentation relating to housing grants, and other opportunities available to older people such as rightsizing. &#x0D; Consenting research participants received two phone calls, at the beginning of the intervention and at 6 months post intervention. Data was collected on; Health Status (EQ-5D), Social Supports - The Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), Quality of Life - The CASP-12, Loneliness - The UCLA and on Self-Efficacy - The GSE scale. A randomised sample was chosen from each geographical region to undertake a qualitative interview, recording perceptions of the programme. The topic guide was created in line with the RE-AIM framework for intervention studies. &#x0D; Results: To date, 169 participants have taken part in the research evaluation presented. At baseline, 23% reported that their house does not meet their needs. Less than one quarter (24%) had previously applied for a housing adaptation grant. 21% of participants reported moderate problems with mobility, 25% reported moderate problems with pain/discomfort, and 16% reported slight problems with anxiety or depression. 18% of participants reported poor social support and a mean score of 27.24 was reported on the CASP-12. The programme was positively received by participants; one of the most positive aspects reported was the social interaction gained. &#x0D; Conclusion: The HAFH programme has been well received by participants and demonstrates how partnerships between local government, community and health services, can positively enhance the lives of older people living in the community.

Social support and anxiety correlation with resilience in patients with multiple sclerosis during COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Social support and anxiety are essential for patients with chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). During coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the psychological well-being of subjects with MS was an important issue, and we designed this study to assess anxiety, resilience, and social support in these patients during COVID-19 pandemic stage. Methods: We used convenience sampling for this study. Inclusion criteria were definite diagnosis of MS based on McDonald criteria and age more than 18 years. Two hundred patients with MS were enrolled. Subjects were asked to fill out valid and reliable Persian versions of Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Perceived Social Support Scale. We also collected demographic data (age, sex, marital status, and occupation), disease duration, and disability level [Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)]. Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) (except for EDSS, as its distribution was not normal), and categorical variables were presented as frequencies. Correlation coefficients were calculated. We did a subgroup analysis and compared patients with BAI less than 30 and more than 30 (severe anxiety). A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean age and mean duration of the disease were 36.5 ± 9.3 and 6.2 ± 5.4 years, respectively. Mean BAI, social support, and resilience scores were 33.8 ± 11.4, 65.7 ± 16.7, and 62.5 ± 19.4, respectively.There was a significant positive correlation between resilience and social support scales (r = 0.44, P < 0.001), and also a significant negative correlation between resilience and BAI (r = -0.31, P < 0.001). Patients with severe anxiety (BAI > 30) had lower social support scores and resilience (social support: 70.3 ± 13.1 vs. 61.5 ± 18.6, P < 0.001; resilience: 57.3 ± 17.0 vs. 68.2 ± 19.6, P < 0.001) compared to patients with BAI ≤ 30. By considering resilience score as the dependent variable and other variables as independent variables, we found that BAI and social support scores were independent predictors. Conclusion: Social support and anxiety are independent predictors of resilience during COVID-19 pandemic in patients with MS.

Parents' Social Support And Adjustment To Students' Learning Motivation In Junior High School Country 18 Central Maluku

The decrease in learning motivation was caused by students not being consistent in studying at home, besides that students paid less attention to the teacher's explanations because students did not understand the material presented by the teacher which was caused by inadequate internet network access, lazy doing assignments and delaying in submitting assignments.The purpose of this study was to test empirically the relationship between parental social support and adjustment to student learning motivation at SMP Negeri 18 Central Maluku, with a total of 170 students. This study uses population research. Data collection used a learning motivation scale, parental social support scale, and self-adjustment scale. The data analysis used in this study used multiple linear regression analysis with an assumption test. The results showed that there was a very significant relationship between parental social support and adjustment to student learning motivation with a significance value of 0.000 (p &lt;0.05), the higher parental social support and self-adjustment was able to increase student learning motivation.

Self-Esteem and Peer Social Support: How Do They Contribute to High School Students' Academic Hardiness?

Several factors, including internal and external factors, often cause academic hardiness in students. This research aims to analyze the influence of student self-esteem as a student's internal factor and peer social support as a student's external factor on students' level of academic hardiness. This research uses a quantitative approach with an ex post facto design. This research was conducted on 350 public high school students in Central Semarang District who were taken using the Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling technique. The instruments used in this research were the self-esteem scale (29 valid items α = .926), the peer social support scale (27 valid items α = .895), and the academic hardiness scale (24 valid items α = .845). The data was analyzed using multiple regression tests and met the classical test. The results show p-value = .000 (p &lt;0.05). The coefficient of determination value shows that self-esteem and social support from peers influence academic hardiness by 44,6%. Meanwhile, some of it is influenced by other variables outside the research. This research impacts guidance and counseling teachers and counselors so they can provide services to increase self-esteem, peer social support, and student academic hardiness.

MENTAL HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION AMONG MEXICAN AMERICAN INFORMAL CAREGIVERS FOR PATIENTS WITH ADRD

Abstract Background The number of Latinos with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) is expected to rise to 1.3 million by 2050. Mexican Americans with ADRD rely heavily on unpaid informal care. The use of information communication technology (ICT) among caregivers is associated with significant improvements in mental health and social support. However, current ICT studies focus mainly on White American caregivers. This study fills the gap. Method: From November 2021 to November 2022, we collected 115 surveys, of which 11 were collected from in-person interviews at a clinic and 104 were collected online. The survey included the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), and the Online Social Support Scale. Results The participants, aged from 18 to 82 and have cared for their family members with ADRD for two years on average. About 70.4% of them use the internet daily. The results indicated that the more time spent on Instagram, YikYak, and first-person shooter online games, the higher depression the participants had. Also, the more first-person shooter online games they use, the higher is their loneliness. Other social media use is not related to loneliness or depression. Conclusion This study suggests that it is necessary to explore an appropriate internet-based ICT for Mexican American informal caregivers to reduce their loneliness and depression. Future research needs to examine their feelings and reflections on using internet-based ICT and discern how their caregiver’s role and Latino culture affect the utilization of technology.

The Impact of Religiosity and Social Support on Psychological Well-Being among Tahfidz Students

High school students who memorize Al-Qur'an face challenges maintaining their psychological well-being while memorizing Al-Qur'an and attending school activities. This study aims to determine the relationship between religiosity and social support with psychological well-being in high school students who memorize the Qur'an. The research subjects were 103 students (mean age 16.41) who were in the process of memorizing 30 chapters of the Qur’an at SMA IT Abu Bakar and SMA IT Baitussalam Yogyakarta. The sampling technique used was convenience sampling. Data collection was carried out using three scales: psychological well-being scale (α=0.904), religiosity scale (α=0.892), and social support scale (α=0.092), all of which were modified. The multiple regression data analysis revealed a significant relationship between religiosity and social support with the psychological well-being of high school students who memorize the Qur'an. The simultaneous effective contribution of two independent variables to psychological well-being is 52.6%. The partial contribution of religiosity is 26.9%, and the partial contribution of social support is 25.7%. These results can be a baseline for schools to develop support for memorizing the Qur'an in terms of facilities, training, and mentoring to increase students' religiosity and psychological well-being.

Trajectories of intrusive and deliberate rumination in young and middle-aged stroke survivors: A growth mixture modeling approach.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between intrusive and deliberate rumination, to identify distinct trajectories of intrusive and deliberate rumination, and to examine their predictors in young and middle-aged stroke survivors. This study employed a longitudinal design in which 200 young and middle-aged stroke survivors were investigated at 1-week pre-discharge (T0), 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) post-discharge. The Event-Related Rumination Inventory, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and Perceived Social Support Scale were used for data collection. The results showed that intrusive rumination was positively correlated with deliberate rumination at T0 and T1, and negatively correlated with deliberate rumination at T3. Growth mixture modeling identified three classes of intrusive rumination: Stable-low, Declined, and Elevated group, and two classes of deliberate rumination: High-level and Low-level group. Furthermore, number of children or dysfunctions, type of stroke, family history of stroke, negative coping, and social support were found to predict intrusive rumination. These findings can help healthcare providers timely intervene on survivors in the Elevated and Stable-low intrusive rumination groups, and the Low-level deliberate rumination group.

Subjective Well-Being in Cancer Patients: The Roles of Social Support, Purpose in Life, Resilience, and Informativeness.

The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between subjective well-being (life satisfaction, positive and negative experiences, and prosperity) and various psychosocial factors (social support received from family members and partners, purpose in life, resilience and information) in cancer patients and to examine the possibility of predicting components of subjective well-being based on these mentioned factors in cancer patients. A total of 338 adult cancer patients from Croatia participated in the study (41.1% male and 58.9% female). To measure the constructs, the Diener Subjective Well-Being Scale, the Social Support Scale at work and in the family, the Purpose in Life Scale, the Short Resilience Scale, and the EORTC-QLQ information questionnaire were used. Results showed a high level of life satisfaction and prosperity, as well as more frequent positive compared to negative experiences. A medium to high level of social support received from family members and from the partner was determined. High levels of purpose in life and medium levels of resilience and information were found. A high correlation was found among the components of the construct of subjective well-being, and a low to medium correlation among the predictors. Positive associations were found between the criteria of life satisfaction and prosperity with psychosocial factors. Negative associations were established between the positive/negative experience variables and the factors. Furthermore, the purpose in life was determined as an important predictor of all three components of subjective well-being, social support (both sources) as important for predicting life satisfaction, resilience for experiencing positive and negative experiences, and social family support for predicting the prosperity of cancer patients.

The mediating role of social support and resilience between self-efficacy and prenatal stress: a mediational analysis

BackgroundPrenatal stress is a highly prevalent mental disorder experienced by pregnant women. This study assessed the prevalence and influencing factors of prenatal stress and investigated the mediating role of social support and resilience between self-efficacy and prenatal stress among pregnant women in China.MethodsA convenience sample comprising 1071 pregnant women from three hospitals in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China, was recruited between February and June 2023. These participants completed a set of general survey questionnaires and were assessed using the Pregnancy Pressure Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, the 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Chinese version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Furthermore, a hierarchical multiple regression model was employed to investigate the relevant factors and mediators of prenatal stress symptoms. A structural equation model was used to examine the mediating role of social support and resilience in the relationship between self-efficacy and prenatal stress.ResultsThe results of the multivariate regression analysis indicated significant associations between prenatal stress and parity, self-efficacy, social support, and resilience (P < 0.001). Self-efficacy accounted for 35.33% of the total effect, with a direct effect of -2.5306 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -4.0309 to -1,0303). Further examination through mediation analysis revealed the mediating roles of social support and resilience in the relationship between self-efficacy and prenatal stress. The mediating effect of social support was − 1.5933 (95% CI: -2.2907 to -0.9496), accounting for 22.24% of the total effect. Similarly, resilience exhibited a mediating effect of -3.0388 (95% CI: -4.3844 to -1.7135), accounting for 42.43% of the total effect.ConclusionThe mediation analysis revealed that among pregnant women in China, the influence of self-efficacy on prenatal stress is channelled through social support and resilience. Therefore, enhancing social support, resilience, and self-efficacy might alleviate prenatal stress.

Companion Animals: Associations With Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Satisfaction With Life in Portuguese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ABSTRACT Companion animals play an increasingly important role in people’s lives. However, research on how they affect community-dwelling older adults remains scarce and there are inconsistent results. This study examined the impact of companion animals on loneliness, social isolation, depressive symptomatology, satisfaction with life, and satisfaction with social support in Portuguese community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional descriptive and correlational questionnaire study involved 250 participants (≥ 65 years old). The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic questions; questions about companion animals; self-perception of loneliness; the Social Isolation Scale; Lubben’s Brief Social Network Scale; the Satisfaction with Life Scale; the Satisfaction with Social Support Scale; and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Descriptive, inferential, and correlational analyses and logistic regression were conducted. Caregivers of companion animals, compared with non-caregivers, tended to live in rural areas (OR = 1), in houses (OR = 2.465), and with extended families (OR = 4.540). No significant differences between caregivers and non-caregivers were found for social isolation, loneliness, satisfaction with social support, and satisfaction with life. However, people with depressive symptoms were 1.7 times more likely to have companion animals than those with no depressive symptoms (p = 0.032). Companion animals, which included some farm animals, provided a high degree of companionship (8.39 ± 1.94, on a scale of 0–10), and this differed significantly between the groups having “only dogs,” “only cats,” “dogs and cats,” and “neither dogs nor cats” (H = 13.279, p = 0.004). Having “only dogs” (8.81) and “both dogs and cats” (9.22) provided the highest degree of companionship when compared with “only cats” (7.86) and “neither dogs nor cats” (7.67). Companion animals did not seem to be instrumental in terms of social interaction and satisfaction with life. Therefore, companion animals are important in providing companionship for older people. Future research should look more closely at the bond between older caregivers and companion animals.