Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults: The Moderating Effect of Resilience
2024
Social Isolation and Mental Health in Older Adults
Sample size: 3681
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Li Ke, Tang Fengyan, Albert Steven, Rauktis Mary, Ohmer Mary
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Hypothesis
Does resilience moderate the effects of social isolation on loneliness and depressive symptoms in older adults?
Conclusion
Social isolation is linked to higher initial loneliness and depressive symptoms, but resilience helps reduce the negative impact of social isolation on depression.
Supporting Evidence
- Social isolation was significantly associated with more initial loneliness and depressive symptoms.
- Resilience significantly buffered the negative effect of social isolation on the initial level of depressive symptoms.
Takeaway
Being alone can make older people feel sad and lonely, but being strong and resilient can help them feel better.
Methodology
The study used data from three waves of the Health and Retirement Study and employed latent growth curve models to analyze the data.
Participant Demographics
U.S. adults aged 60 and older.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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