This literature review explores the complex relationship between loneliness and mortality,emphasizing its eff ects on physical and mental health across diff erent age groups.Drawing on studies from both Western and As...This literature review explores the complex relationship between loneliness and mortality,emphasizing its eff ects on physical and mental health across diff erent age groups.Drawing on studies from both Western and Asian contexts,the review highlights that loneliness contributes to increased risks of depression,cardiovascular diseases,substance abuse,and ultimately premature death,particularly among the elderly.It investigates how social relationships,living arrangements,cultural traditions,and institutional frameworks shape the experience of loneliness and its health outcomes.While some findings suggest a direct correlation between loneliness and mortality,others point to mediating factors such as health behavior and access to social or religious support.The paper also examines intervention strategies and proposes that targeted community-based programs and educational engagement may mitigate loneliness-related health risks.The fi ndings underscore the need for more cross-cultural,longitudinal studies and policy-level interventions.展开更多
Objective Observational studies have shown inconsistent associations of loneliness or social isolation(SI)with ischemic heart disease(IHD),with unknown mediators.Methods Using data from genome-wide association studies...Objective Observational studies have shown inconsistent associations of loneliness or social isolation(SI)with ischemic heart disease(IHD),with unknown mediators.Methods Using data from genome-wide association studies of predominantly European ancestry,we performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization(MR)study to estimate causal effects of loneliness(N=487,647)and SI traits on IHD(N=184,305).SI traits included whether individuals lived alone,participated in various types of social activities,and how often they had contact with friends or family(N=459,830 to 461,369).A network MR study was conducted to evaluate the mediating roles of 20 candidate mediators,including metabolic,behavioral and psychological factors.Results Loneliness increased IHD risk(OR=2.129;95%confidence interval[CI]:1.380 to 3.285),mediated by body fat percentage,waist-hip ratio,total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.For SI traits,only fewer social activities increased IHD risk(OR=1.815;95%CI:1.189 to 2.772),mediated by hypertension,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,triglycerides,fasting insulin,and smoking cessation.No reverse causality of IHD with loneliness and SI was found.Conclusion These findings suggested more attention should be paid to individuals who feel lonely and have fewer social activities to prevent IHD,with several mediators as prioritized targets for intervention.展开更多
Objectives Few studies have investigated longitudinal associations of loneliness with health outcomes in Africa.This study aimed to assess the longitudinal associations between loneliness and mental and physical healt...Objectives Few studies have investigated longitudinal associations of loneliness with health outcomes in Africa.This study aimed to assess the longitudinal associations between loneliness and mental and physical health among aging adults in South Africa.Methods Data from the 7-year longitudinal Health and Ageing in Africa(HAALSI)study conducted in South Africa were used in the analysis(analytic sample:n=3707,aged 40 years and older).Loneliness was measured with one question.Longitudinal relationships between loneliness and each health outcome were estimated using Generalized Estimating Equations analysis(GEE),hazard ratios(HRs)(95%CI)were used to determine the relationship between loneliness and 7-year mortality in the entire sample,and correlations between incident health outcomes and loneliness were evaluated using logistic regressions.Results The prevalence of loneliness was 12.1%in 2015,16.9%in 2019,and 16.3%in 2022.Multivariable analysis showed that loneliness was positively associated with the prevalence and/or incidence of four poor mental health indicators(e.g.,poor sleep quality,AOR=1.53,95%CI:1.30–1.80),four physical ill-health indicators(e.g.,incident kidney disease,AOR=2.50,95%CI:1.41–4.42),mortality(Hazard Ratio=1.20,95%CI=1.04–1.39),and three poor behavioral health indicators(e.g.,current tobacco use,AOR=1.21,95%CI=1.04–1.42).Conclusion The study discovered that several outcomes related to mental,physical,and behavioral health were associated with loneliness.Enhancing the detection and management of loneliness could lower mental and physical illness in aging adults in South Africa.展开更多
Background:To understand the current situation of loneliness and dementia fear among elderly people in the community;Analyze the influencing factors and clarify the correlation between the two.Methods:Through convenie...Background:To understand the current situation of loneliness and dementia fear among elderly people in the community;Analyze the influencing factors and clarify the correlation between the two.Methods:Through convenience sampling,228 elderly people were selected as the research subjects,and the general demographic characteristics questionnaire,elderly loneliness scale,dementia fear scale,and simplified intelligence status check scale were used for investigation.SPSS 28.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.Results:The total score of loneliness was 96.21±21.83 points,and the total score of dementia fear was 59.34±13.50 points.There were statistically significant differences in dementia fear scores among elderly people in the community in terms of age,gender,marital status,family history of dementia,and number of chronic diseases(P<0.05).Person correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the total score of dementia fear and loneliness in elderly people in the community(r=0.162,P<0.05).Conclusion:The level of loneliness and dementia fear among elderly people in the community is at a moderate level.Age,gender,marital status,family history of dementia,and number of chronic diseases are important influencing factors of dementia fear among elderly people in the community.The sense of loneliness among elderly people in the community is positively correlated with dementia fear,meaning that the greater the degree of loneliness,the higher the degree of dementia fear among elderly people in the community.展开更多
Fathers play an important role in adolescents’development,which is significant for their development and influences their mental health,including feeling of loneliness.However,the effects and mechanisms of father-lov...Fathers play an important role in adolescents’development,which is significant for their development and influences their mental health,including feeling of loneliness.However,the effects and mechanisms of father-love absence on individual loneliness are not clear.Based on the social functionalist theory and the social needs theory,this study examines the influence of individual fatherlove absence on loneliness and its underlying mechanisms.A questionnaire survey was administered to 319 junior high school students and 1,476 high school students.The results showed that adolescents with father-love absence had higher levels of loneliness,and that father-love absence affected loneliness levels through mediating pathways of individual gratitude,peer relationships,and gratitude to peer relationships.This study not only confirms the negative effects of father-love absence on adolescents’loneliness,but also explains the mediate roles of individual gratitude and peer relationships.It enriches the theoretical system related to family education and has important theoretical and practical implications for further interventions on adolescents’mental health from the perspective of fatherless parenting.展开更多
Fifty percent of individuals aged over 60 are reported at risk of social isolation and one-third will experience some degree of loneliness later in life. Isolation and loneliness have been reported as having negative ...Fifty percent of individuals aged over 60 are reported at risk of social isolation and one-third will experience some degree of loneliness later in life. Isolation and loneliness have been reported as having negative consequences for mental and physical health and mortality. Existing supportive interventions, even when successful are not widely adopted or utilized. A developmental, mixed methods approach was taken to building and testing the components and delivery of an intervention, Making the Connection (MTC) in preparation for mounting a larger, systematic test. Method: The approach relied upon the six steps of 6sQuID for the development of public health interventions: 1) Define and understand the problem and its causes. 2) Clarify which causal or contextual factors are malleable. 3) Identify how to bring about change. 4) Identify how to deliver the change mechanism. 5) Test and refine on small scale. 6) Collect sufficient evidence of effectiveness to justify rigorous evaluation/implementation. Depressive symptoms, how often people felt lonely, and size of social networks were quantitatively measured and analyzed. Qualitative measures were also used. Findings: All six steps in the 6sQuiD model were followed in building the intervention for potential testing. In an initial test within CCRC facilities, five loneliness-related areas were examined qualitatively and identified as potentially modifiable. Testing of a subsequent 10-session gamified intervention established trends for reduced reports of symptoms of depression, and increases in social connections. Pre and post-test found there was a statistically significant reduction in reports of loneliness in the past week. Discussion: Making the Connection manualized intervention appears both feasible and viable, a necessary first step to prepare for more systematic evaluation in a randomized control trial.展开更多
Peter Heller’s The Dog Stars is a fascinating meditation of post-apocalyptic loneliness.Set in a dismal world devastated by a devastating virus,the story centers on the protagonist Hig’s experience and response as h...Peter Heller’s The Dog Stars is a fascinating meditation of post-apocalyptic loneliness.Set in a dismal world devastated by a devastating virus,the story centers on the protagonist Hig’s experience and response as he navigates a terrain devoid of human connection and meaning.This paper investigates the complexities of loneliness,focusing on Hig’s response to the loss of his wife and dog.Furthermore,it delves into the transformational power of companionship,including Hig’s link with his dog Jasper and his ultimate connection with Cima and her father.The fragmented narrative style of the novel mirrors Hig’s internal struggle,offering a raw and intimate portrayal of his journey towards reconnection and hope.Through the novel,Heller offers his profound thinking on the significance of connection in overcoming even post-apocalyptic loneliness.展开更多
Orpheus Descending is written by American famous playwright Tennessee Williams. According to the portrayal of a series marginalized people, this drama presents the solitude in human beings' heart and the estrangem...Orpheus Descending is written by American famous playwright Tennessee Williams. According to the portrayal of a series marginalized people, this drama presents the solitude in human beings' heart and the estrangement in interpersonal relations. This paper tries to analyze the solitude theme in this drama from philosophic aspect and realistic aspect, combining alienation theory and existentialism theory to analyze the reason and the manifestation of solitude.展开更多
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to propose and test a conceptual model that explains the interrelationships among perceived social support, loneliness, physical activity(PA), and quality of life(QoL) among acti...Purpose: The purpose of this study was to propose and test a conceptual model that explains the interrelationships among perceived social support, loneliness, physical activity(PA), and quality of life(QoL) among active older adults in South Korea.Methods: Data were collected from 332 individuals over the age of 65 using a systematic stratified convenience sampling method. Survey data were collected and analyzed using a structural equation model(SEM).Results: Perceived social support had a significantly positive effect on PA(b = 0.14, p < 0.01) and QoL(b = 0.28, p < 0.001) while decreasing loneliness(b = —0.55, p < 0.001). PA had a significant positive effect on QoL(b = 0.12, p < 0.01), and loneliness had a negative effect on QoL(b = —0.37, p < 0.001). Loneliness mediated the relationship between perceived social support and QoL.Conclusion: The SEM results of the current study support the proposed model that explained the interrelationships among perceived social support, loneliness, PA, and QoL among active older adults in South Korea. These findings suggest the importance of incorporating social support mechanisms for PA interventions in order to enhance QoL. The findings of this study can help create more effective health and physical education programs for the older generations in South Korea to enhance their QoL.展开更多
We investigated factors contributing to Internet addiction in 105 Japanese medical students. The subjects were administered by a self-reporting questionnaire designed to evaluate demographic factors, Internet addictio...We investigated factors contributing to Internet addiction in 105 Japanese medical students. The subjects were administered by a self-reporting questionnaire designed to evaluate demographic factors, Internet addiction, loneliness, health-related lifestyle factors, depressive state, patterns of behavior, and mobile phone dependence. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that loneliness and mobile phone dependence were positively related to degree of addiction. Our findings suggest that Internet addiction is associated with loneliness and mobile phone dependence in Japanese students.展开更多
In this study, the relationship between social anxiety, coping style and loneliness amongst left-behind children was investigated. The participants were 773 left-behind children recruited from 8 junior middle schools ...In this study, the relationship between social anxiety, coping style and loneliness amongst left-behind children was investigated. The participants were 773 left-behind children recruited from 8 junior middle schools in rural areas of Zhejiang Province in China who completed the Social Anxiety Scale for Children, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire and Children’s Loneliness Scale. Results show that there was a moderate correlation between social anxiety and loneliness, and these variables had a significant negative relationship with positive coping style and a significant positive relationship with negative coping style. Furthermore, the left-behind children’s social anxiety, coping style and loneliness were different within specific demographic groups, such as gender, only child status and different type of parental work. Also negative coping style moderated the association between loneliness and social anxiety, so that children who were more likely to use negative coping strategies showed a stronger relationship between social anxiety and loneliness. Finally, the left-behind children’s social anxiety not only directly predicted their loneliness, but also had an indirect effect mediated by their copying style.展开更多
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the development of LISTEN (Loneliness Intervention using Story Theory to Enhance Nursing-sensitive outcomes), a new intervention for loneliness. Methods: LISTEN was dev...Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the development of LISTEN (Loneliness Intervention using Story Theory to Enhance Nursing-sensitive outcomes), a new intervention for loneliness. Methods: LISTEN was developed using the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for intervention development. Extensive literature review revealed that belonging, relating, placing in community, challenges, and meanings of coping were concepts significant to loneliness. Past interventions were limited but it was determined from a recent meta-analysis that enhanced effectiveness might result from interventions that targeted the poorly adapted cognitive processes of loneliness. These processes include social undesirability, stigma, and negative thoughts about self in relation to others. LISTEN is designed to be delivered in a determined logical sequence of 5 sessions, each focusing on the concepts relevant to loneliness as derived from the literature. For each session, intervention delivery is guided by the concepts from story theory (including intentional dialogue, nurse as listener, examination of self in relation to others and community, synthesizing concerns and patterns, and identifying messages) and the principles of cognitive restructuring (self-assessment of maladaptive cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, identifying challenges of changing, reconceptualization of self, new skill acquisition through group interaction, and identifying patterns of meaning in loneliness). Results: LISTEN is developed and the first randomized trial is complete with a sample of 27 lonely, chronically ill, community dwelling, and older adults. LISTEN was evaluated as feasible to deliver by the study team and acceptable for significantly diminishing loneliness by participants of the LISTEN groups who were compared to attention control groups (p < 0.5). Conclusions: LISTEN has the potential to enhance health by diminishing loneliness which could result in improving the long-term negative known sequelae of loneliness. Future longitudinal randomized trials are needed in varied populations to assess long term health and healthcare system benefit of using LISTEN to treat loneliness.展开更多
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the initial feasibility and acceptability of LISTEN (Loneliness Intervention using Story Theory to Enhance Nursing-sensitive outcomes), a new intervention for lonelines...Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the initial feasibility and acceptability of LISTEN (Loneliness Intervention using Story Theory to Enhance Nursing-sensitive outcomes), a new intervention for loneliness. Loneliness is a significant stressor and known contributor to multiple chronic health conditions in varied populations. In addition, loneliness is reported as predictive of functional decline and mortality in large samples of older adults from multiple cultures. Currently, there are no standard therapies recommended as effective treatments for loneliness. The paucity of interventions has limited the ability of healthcare providers to translate what we know about the problem of loneliness to active planning of clinical care that results in diminished loneliness. LISTEN was developed using the process for complex intervention development suggested by the Medical Research Council (MRC) [1] [2]. Methods: Feasibility and acceptability of LISTEN were evaluated as the first objective of a longitudinal randomized trial which was set in a university based family medicine center in a rural southeastern community in Appalachia. Twenty-seven older adults [(24 women and 3 men, mean age: 75 (SD 7.50)] who were lonely, community-dwelling, and experiencing chronic illness, participated. Feasibility was evaluated by tracking recruitment efforts, enrollment, attendance to intervention sessions, attrition, and with feedback evaluations from study personnel. Acceptability was assessed using quantitative and qualitative evaluation data from participants. Results: LISTEN was evaluated as feasible to deliver with no attrition and near perfect attendance. Participants ranked LISTEN as highly acceptable for diminishing loneliness with participants requesting a continuation of the program or development of additional sessions. Conclusions: LISTEN is feasible to deliver in a primary healthcare setting and has the potential to diminish loneliness which could result in improvement of the long-term negative known sequelae of loneliness such as hypertension, depression, functional decline, and mortality. Feedback from study participants is being used to inform future trials of LISTEN with consideration for developing additional sessions. Longitudinal randomized trials are needed in varied populations to assess long-term health and healthcare system benefits of diminishing loneliness, and to assess the potential scalability of LISTEN as a reimbursable treatment for loneliness.展开更多
Internet addiction （IA） is a newly emerged clinical disorder and it has negative effects on physical and mental health. University students are the most vulnerable group for IA, The aim of the present study was to d...Internet addiction （IA） is a newly emerged clinical disorder and it has negative effects on physical and mental health. University students are the most vulnerable group for IA, The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of IA with depression, loneliness and health related lifestyle among university students. Cross-sectional survey was conducted by enrolling 175 students of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya. Internet addiction test （IAT） was used to assess the level of IA. Depression, loneliness, and health related lifestyle were assessed using Peradeniya depression scale （PDS）, University of California at Los Angeles （UCLA） loneliness scale and health practice score （HPS） respectively. T-test and ANOVA were conducted to examine the differences; and correlation and regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between variables. Overall, 40.6% of students were placed in IA group. Generally 28.6% of students had mild and 12.0% had moderate addiction. No case of severe IA was seen. There were 20.6% of students in depressive state and 17.1% of students had poor HPS. The average score that the student got from loneliness scale was 23.42. There was a positive significant correlation between IA and both depression and loneliness. Moreover, a negative significant correlation found between IA and health related lifestyle. Male students had higher IA scores than female students. The study results are considered to develop preventive interventions and treatment strategies.展开更多
This study examined the moderating effects of parent-child,same-sex,opposite-sex and teacher-student relation-ships between sibling status and loneliness during COVID-19.A total of 1,591 adolescents in China completed...This study examined the moderating effects of parent-child,same-sex,opposite-sex and teacher-student relation-ships between sibling status and loneliness during COVID-19.A total of 1,591 adolescents in China completed the study questionnaires which assessed the aforementioned variables.The results showed that same-sex and teacher-student relationships moderated the association between sibling status and loneliness.The results indicated that among participants with good same-sex relationships during COVID-19,compared to non-only-children parti-cipants,the only-children participants were more likely to experience a lower level of loneliness.However,parti-cipants with poor same-sex relationships experienced similar level of loneliness regardless of whether they had siblings.Thesefindings would be helpful for parents,teachers,and other stakeholders to take effective measures to reduce loneliness feelings among Chinese adolescents.展开更多
Loneliness is considered a public health problem that negatively affects wellbeing,especially in the older population.In Latin-American countries,most of the older population live with their family.Although this is th...Loneliness is considered a public health problem that negatively affects wellbeing,especially in the older population.In Latin-American countries,most of the older population live with their family.Although this is thought to diminish feelings of loneliness,there is scarce data to support this.The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of loneliness and evaluate its association with objective social networks,family functioning and perception of social support,in a sample of older people from Santiago,Chile.A survey was conducted of a representative sample of community older people(60–97 years)from Santiago,Chile,using the UCLA abbreviated scale of loneliness.Logistic regression was performed to test the variables related to the loneliness of older people.A total of 1,217 older people were interviewed.88%were living with at least one person at home and 92%had living children.Using the UCLA abbreviated scale,45%were found to perceive feelings of loneliness at least some of the time.Logistic regression showed significant association between loneliness and family dysfunction;depressive symptoms;living alone;not having a partner(widowed,separated or single);having little contact with relatives and friends;feeling a lack of social support;and sensation of poor self-efficacy.Loneliness is a prevalent public health problem in this older Latin-American community.Living accompanied does not protect against loneliness,particularly in vulnerable groups such as those with depression,or when there are family conflicts.The high prevalence of loneliness strongly conveys the need for public health policies to address loneliness in older people.展开更多
Pets’ growing role in family dynamics creates questions about resources pets may provide in parenthood motivation. Pet ownership has been suggested in the literature as an antecedent to parenthood in terms of develop...Pets’ growing role in family dynamics creates questions about resources pets may provide in parenthood motivation. Pet ownership has been suggested in the literature as an antecedent to parenthood in terms of developing skills needed to rear offspring, nurturance, and responsibility. Participants (N = 118) who were pet owners, completed an online survey that recorded demographics and consisted of loneliness, pet attitude, and parenthood motivation scales. Results supported that loneliness and pet attitude were positively related to parenthood motivation (all p’s < 0.05). Loneliness and parenthood motivation did not vary by pet species. Pet attitude varied by pet species;dog owners had the most positive attitude. Pets were shown to be a valuable resource in alleviating feelings of loneliness and parenthood preparation in this sample. Implications for nursing practice and future research are discussed.展开更多
Arthur Miller is one of the representatives of American playwrights in 1940 s. Miller's contribution to modern drama lies in making a good expression of the common's tragedy in his drama. Thus he is called as&...Arthur Miller is one of the representatives of American playwrights in 1940 s. Miller's contribution to modern drama lies in making a good expression of the common's tragedy in his drama. Thus he is called as"an American Ibsenian playwright". The Death of a Salesman, Miller's masterwork, presents a society in pursuit of"success". In it, the hero is just a poor man with failures, and his disillusionment of dream ends up with his tragic death. This thesis primarily summarizes the former studies of the Death of a Salesman, and from a novel prospective, focuses on exploring the reasons and results of the hero's loneliness, so as to further the study of the tragic spirit in it.展开更多
Objectives:Loneliness is a biopsychosocial determinant of health and contributes to physical and psychological chronic illnesses,functional decline,and mortality in older adults.This paper presents the results of the ...Objectives:Loneliness is a biopsychosocial determinant of health and contributes to physical and psychological chronic illnesses,functional decline,and mortality in older adults.This paper presents the results of the first randomized trial of LISTEN,which is a new cognitive behavioral intervention for loneliness,on loneliness,neuroimmunological stress response,psychosocial functioning,quality of life,and measures of physical health.Methods:The effectiveness of LISTEN was evaluated in a sample population comprising 27 lonely,chronically ill,older adults living in Appalachia.Participants were randomized into LISTEN or educational attention control groups.Outcome measures included salivary cortisol and DHEA,interleukin-6,interleukin-2,depressive symptoms,loneliness,perceived social support,functional ability,quality of life,fasting glucose,blood pressure,and body mass index.Results:At 12 weeks after the last intervention session,participants of the LISTEN group reported reduced loneliness(p=0.03),enhanced overall social support(p=0.05),and decreased systolic blood pressure(p=0.02).The attention control group reported decreased functional ability(p=0.10)and reduced quality of life(p=0.13).Conclusions:LISTEN can effectively diminish loneliness and decrease the systolic blood pressure in community-dwelling,chronically ill,older adults.Results indicate that this population,if left with untreated loneliness,may experience functional impairment over a period as short as 4 months.Further studies on LISTEN are needed with larger samples,in varied populations,and over longer periods of time to assess the long-term effects of diminishing loneliness in multiple chronic conditions.展开更多
文摘This literature review explores the complex relationship between loneliness and mortality,emphasizing its eff ects on physical and mental health across diff erent age groups.Drawing on studies from both Western and Asian contexts,the review highlights that loneliness contributes to increased risks of depression,cardiovascular diseases,substance abuse,and ultimately premature death,particularly among the elderly.It investigates how social relationships,living arrangements,cultural traditions,and institutional frameworks shape the experience of loneliness and its health outcomes.While some findings suggest a direct correlation between loneliness and mortality,others point to mediating factors such as health behavior and access to social or religious support.The paper also examines intervention strategies and proposes that targeted community-based programs and educational engagement may mitigate loneliness-related health risks.The fi ndings underscore the need for more cross-cultural,longitudinal studies and policy-level interventions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82322059)the Chinese Academy of Medical·Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2021-I2M-1-010)+1 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2500500)the National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding(2023-GSPRC-19).
文摘Objective Observational studies have shown inconsistent associations of loneliness or social isolation(SI)with ischemic heart disease(IHD),with unknown mediators.Methods Using data from genome-wide association studies of predominantly European ancestry,we performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization(MR)study to estimate causal effects of loneliness(N=487,647)and SI traits on IHD(N=184,305).SI traits included whether individuals lived alone,participated in various types of social activities,and how often they had contact with friends or family(N=459,830 to 461,369).A network MR study was conducted to evaluate the mediating roles of 20 candidate mediators,including metabolic,behavioral and psychological factors.Results Loneliness increased IHD risk(OR=2.129;95%confidence interval[CI]:1.380 to 3.285),mediated by body fat percentage,waist-hip ratio,total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.For SI traits,only fewer social activities increased IHD risk(OR=1.815;95%CI:1.189 to 2.772),mediated by hypertension,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,triglycerides,fasting insulin,and smoking cessation.No reverse causality of IHD with loneliness and SI was found.Conclusion These findings suggested more attention should be paid to individuals who feel lonely and have fewer social activities to prevent IHD,with several mediators as prioritized targets for intervention.
基金HAALSI(Health and Aging in Africa:A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa)is sponsored by the National Institute on Aging(grant number 5P01AG041710-05)and is conducted by the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies in Partnership with Witwatersrand UniversityThe Agincourt HDSS was supported by the Wellcome Trust,UK(058893/Z/99/A,069683/Z/02/Z,085477/Z/08/Z and085477/B/08/Z),the University of the Witwatersrand and South African Medical Research Council.
文摘Objectives Few studies have investigated longitudinal associations of loneliness with health outcomes in Africa.This study aimed to assess the longitudinal associations between loneliness and mental and physical health among aging adults in South Africa.Methods Data from the 7-year longitudinal Health and Ageing in Africa(HAALSI)study conducted in South Africa were used in the analysis(analytic sample:n=3707,aged 40 years and older).Loneliness was measured with one question.Longitudinal relationships between loneliness and each health outcome were estimated using Generalized Estimating Equations analysis(GEE),hazard ratios(HRs)(95%CI)were used to determine the relationship between loneliness and 7-year mortality in the entire sample,and correlations between incident health outcomes and loneliness were evaluated using logistic regressions.Results The prevalence of loneliness was 12.1%in 2015,16.9%in 2019,and 16.3%in 2022.Multivariable analysis showed that loneliness was positively associated with the prevalence and/or incidence of four poor mental health indicators(e.g.,poor sleep quality,AOR=1.53,95%CI:1.30–1.80),four physical ill-health indicators(e.g.,incident kidney disease,AOR=2.50,95%CI:1.41–4.42),mortality(Hazard Ratio=1.20,95%CI=1.04–1.39),and three poor behavioral health indicators(e.g.,current tobacco use,AOR=1.21,95%CI=1.04–1.42).Conclusion The study discovered that several outcomes related to mental,physical,and behavioral health were associated with loneliness.Enhancing the detection and management of loneliness could lower mental and physical illness in aging adults in South Africa.
文摘Background:To understand the current situation of loneliness and dementia fear among elderly people in the community;Analyze the influencing factors and clarify the correlation between the two.Methods:Through convenience sampling,228 elderly people were selected as the research subjects,and the general demographic characteristics questionnaire,elderly loneliness scale,dementia fear scale,and simplified intelligence status check scale were used for investigation.SPSS 28.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.Results:The total score of loneliness was 96.21±21.83 points,and the total score of dementia fear was 59.34±13.50 points.There were statistically significant differences in dementia fear scores among elderly people in the community in terms of age,gender,marital status,family history of dementia,and number of chronic diseases(P<0.05).Person correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the total score of dementia fear and loneliness in elderly people in the community(r=0.162,P<0.05).Conclusion:The level of loneliness and dementia fear among elderly people in the community is at a moderate level.Age,gender,marital status,family history of dementia,and number of chronic diseases are important influencing factors of dementia fear among elderly people in the community.The sense of loneliness among elderly people in the community is positively correlated with dementia fear,meaning that the greater the degree of loneliness,the higher the degree of dementia fear among elderly people in the community.
基金the General Program of the National Socail Science Fund of China(23BSH144).
文摘Fathers play an important role in adolescents’development,which is significant for their development and influences their mental health,including feeling of loneliness.However,the effects and mechanisms of father-love absence on individual loneliness are not clear.Based on the social functionalist theory and the social needs theory,this study examines the influence of individual fatherlove absence on loneliness and its underlying mechanisms.A questionnaire survey was administered to 319 junior high school students and 1,476 high school students.The results showed that adolescents with father-love absence had higher levels of loneliness,and that father-love absence affected loneliness levels through mediating pathways of individual gratitude,peer relationships,and gratitude to peer relationships.This study not only confirms the negative effects of father-love absence on adolescents’loneliness,but also explains the mediate roles of individual gratitude and peer relationships.It enriches the theoretical system related to family education and has important theoretical and practical implications for further interventions on adolescents’mental health from the perspective of fatherless parenting.
文摘Fifty percent of individuals aged over 60 are reported at risk of social isolation and one-third will experience some degree of loneliness later in life. Isolation and loneliness have been reported as having negative consequences for mental and physical health and mortality. Existing supportive interventions, even when successful are not widely adopted or utilized. A developmental, mixed methods approach was taken to building and testing the components and delivery of an intervention, Making the Connection (MTC) in preparation for mounting a larger, systematic test. Method: The approach relied upon the six steps of 6sQuID for the development of public health interventions: 1) Define and understand the problem and its causes. 2) Clarify which causal or contextual factors are malleable. 3) Identify how to bring about change. 4) Identify how to deliver the change mechanism. 5) Test and refine on small scale. 6) Collect sufficient evidence of effectiveness to justify rigorous evaluation/implementation. Depressive symptoms, how often people felt lonely, and size of social networks were quantitatively measured and analyzed. Qualitative measures were also used. Findings: All six steps in the 6sQuiD model were followed in building the intervention for potential testing. In an initial test within CCRC facilities, five loneliness-related areas were examined qualitatively and identified as potentially modifiable. Testing of a subsequent 10-session gamified intervention established trends for reduced reports of symptoms of depression, and increases in social connections. Pre and post-test found there was a statistically significant reduction in reports of loneliness in the past week. Discussion: Making the Connection manualized intervention appears both feasible and viable, a necessary first step to prepare for more systematic evaluation in a randomized control trial.
基金sponsored by the Jiangsu Social Science Fund under the grant title“A Study of Post-apocalyptic Writing in Contemporary American Novels”(20WWB005)supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,No.XAB22018.
文摘Peter Heller’s The Dog Stars is a fascinating meditation of post-apocalyptic loneliness.Set in a dismal world devastated by a devastating virus,the story centers on the protagonist Hig’s experience and response as he navigates a terrain devoid of human connection and meaning.This paper investigates the complexities of loneliness,focusing on Hig’s response to the loss of his wife and dog.Furthermore,it delves into the transformational power of companionship,including Hig’s link with his dog Jasper and his ultimate connection with Cima and her father.The fragmented narrative style of the novel mirrors Hig’s internal struggle,offering a raw and intimate portrayal of his journey towards reconnection and hope.Through the novel,Heller offers his profound thinking on the significance of connection in overcoming even post-apocalyptic loneliness.
文摘Orpheus Descending is written by American famous playwright Tennessee Williams. According to the portrayal of a series marginalized people, this drama presents the solitude in human beings' heart and the estrangement in interpersonal relations. This paper tries to analyze the solitude theme in this drama from philosophic aspect and realistic aspect, combining alienation theory and existentialism theory to analyze the reason and the manifestation of solitude.
文摘Purpose: The purpose of this study was to propose and test a conceptual model that explains the interrelationships among perceived social support, loneliness, physical activity(PA), and quality of life(QoL) among active older adults in South Korea.Methods: Data were collected from 332 individuals over the age of 65 using a systematic stratified convenience sampling method. Survey data were collected and analyzed using a structural equation model(SEM).Results: Perceived social support had a significantly positive effect on PA(b = 0.14, p < 0.01) and QoL(b = 0.28, p < 0.001) while decreasing loneliness(b = —0.55, p < 0.001). PA had a significant positive effect on QoL(b = 0.12, p < 0.01), and loneliness had a negative effect on QoL(b = —0.37, p < 0.001). Loneliness mediated the relationship between perceived social support and QoL.Conclusion: The SEM results of the current study support the proposed model that explained the interrelationships among perceived social support, loneliness, PA, and QoL among active older adults in South Korea. These findings suggest the importance of incorporating social support mechanisms for PA interventions in order to enhance QoL. The findings of this study can help create more effective health and physical education programs for the older generations in South Korea to enhance their QoL.
文摘We investigated factors contributing to Internet addiction in 105 Japanese medical students. The subjects were administered by a self-reporting questionnaire designed to evaluate demographic factors, Internet addiction, loneliness, health-related lifestyle factors, depressive state, patterns of behavior, and mobile phone dependence. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that loneliness and mobile phone dependence were positively related to degree of addiction. Our findings suggest that Internet addiction is associated with loneliness and mobile phone dependence in Japanese students.
文摘In this study, the relationship between social anxiety, coping style and loneliness amongst left-behind children was investigated. The participants were 773 left-behind children recruited from 8 junior middle schools in rural areas of Zhejiang Province in China who completed the Social Anxiety Scale for Children, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire and Children’s Loneliness Scale. Results show that there was a moderate correlation between social anxiety and loneliness, and these variables had a significant negative relationship with positive coping style and a significant positive relationship with negative coping style. Furthermore, the left-behind children’s social anxiety, coping style and loneliness were different within specific demographic groups, such as gender, only child status and different type of parental work. Also negative coping style moderated the association between loneliness and social anxiety, so that children who were more likely to use negative coping strategies showed a stronger relationship between social anxiety and loneliness. Finally, the left-behind children’s social anxiety not only directly predicted their loneliness, but also had an indirect effect mediated by their copying style.
文摘Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the development of LISTEN (Loneliness Intervention using Story Theory to Enhance Nursing-sensitive outcomes), a new intervention for loneliness. Methods: LISTEN was developed using the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for intervention development. Extensive literature review revealed that belonging, relating, placing in community, challenges, and meanings of coping were concepts significant to loneliness. Past interventions were limited but it was determined from a recent meta-analysis that enhanced effectiveness might result from interventions that targeted the poorly adapted cognitive processes of loneliness. These processes include social undesirability, stigma, and negative thoughts about self in relation to others. LISTEN is designed to be delivered in a determined logical sequence of 5 sessions, each focusing on the concepts relevant to loneliness as derived from the literature. For each session, intervention delivery is guided by the concepts from story theory (including intentional dialogue, nurse as listener, examination of self in relation to others and community, synthesizing concerns and patterns, and identifying messages) and the principles of cognitive restructuring (self-assessment of maladaptive cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, identifying challenges of changing, reconceptualization of self, new skill acquisition through group interaction, and identifying patterns of meaning in loneliness). Results: LISTEN is developed and the first randomized trial is complete with a sample of 27 lonely, chronically ill, community dwelling, and older adults. LISTEN was evaluated as feasible to deliver by the study team and acceptable for significantly diminishing loneliness by participants of the LISTEN groups who were compared to attention control groups (p < 0.5). Conclusions: LISTEN has the potential to enhance health by diminishing loneliness which could result in improving the long-term negative known sequelae of loneliness. Future longitudinal randomized trials are needed in varied populations to assess long term health and healthcare system benefit of using LISTEN to treat loneliness.
文摘Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the initial feasibility and acceptability of LISTEN (Loneliness Intervention using Story Theory to Enhance Nursing-sensitive outcomes), a new intervention for loneliness. Loneliness is a significant stressor and known contributor to multiple chronic health conditions in varied populations. In addition, loneliness is reported as predictive of functional decline and mortality in large samples of older adults from multiple cultures. Currently, there are no standard therapies recommended as effective treatments for loneliness. The paucity of interventions has limited the ability of healthcare providers to translate what we know about the problem of loneliness to active planning of clinical care that results in diminished loneliness. LISTEN was developed using the process for complex intervention development suggested by the Medical Research Council (MRC) [1] [2]. Methods: Feasibility and acceptability of LISTEN were evaluated as the first objective of a longitudinal randomized trial which was set in a university based family medicine center in a rural southeastern community in Appalachia. Twenty-seven older adults [(24 women and 3 men, mean age: 75 (SD 7.50)] who were lonely, community-dwelling, and experiencing chronic illness, participated. Feasibility was evaluated by tracking recruitment efforts, enrollment, attendance to intervention sessions, attrition, and with feedback evaluations from study personnel. Acceptability was assessed using quantitative and qualitative evaluation data from participants. Results: LISTEN was evaluated as feasible to deliver with no attrition and near perfect attendance. Participants ranked LISTEN as highly acceptable for diminishing loneliness with participants requesting a continuation of the program or development of additional sessions. Conclusions: LISTEN is feasible to deliver in a primary healthcare setting and has the potential to diminish loneliness which could result in improvement of the long-term negative known sequelae of loneliness such as hypertension, depression, functional decline, and mortality. Feedback from study participants is being used to inform future trials of LISTEN with consideration for developing additional sessions. Longitudinal randomized trials are needed in varied populations to assess long-term health and healthcare system benefits of diminishing loneliness, and to assess the potential scalability of LISTEN as a reimbursable treatment for loneliness.
文摘Internet addiction （IA） is a newly emerged clinical disorder and it has negative effects on physical and mental health. University students are the most vulnerable group for IA, The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of IA with depression, loneliness and health related lifestyle among university students. Cross-sectional survey was conducted by enrolling 175 students of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya. Internet addiction test （IAT） was used to assess the level of IA. Depression, loneliness, and health related lifestyle were assessed using Peradeniya depression scale （PDS）, University of California at Los Angeles （UCLA） loneliness scale and health practice score （HPS） respectively. T-test and ANOVA were conducted to examine the differences; and correlation and regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between variables. Overall, 40.6% of students were placed in IA group. Generally 28.6% of students had mild and 12.0% had moderate addiction. No case of severe IA was seen. There were 20.6% of students in depressive state and 17.1% of students had poor HPS. The average score that the student got from loneliness scale was 23.42. There was a positive significant correlation between IA and both depression and loneliness. Moreover, a negative significant correlation found between IA and health related lifestyle. Male students had higher IA scores than female students. The study results are considered to develop preventive interventions and treatment strategies.
基金supported by Key Laboratory of Ethnic Languages and Information Technology of Ministry of Education of China,Northwest Minzu University,Lanzhou,Gansu,730030,China(KFKT202013,KFKT202016,KFKT202012,and 1001161310)The Young Doctor Foundation of Higher Education in Gansu Province“Research on the educational effect mechanism of the socialist core value‘unity of knowing and doing’of college students for nationalities in the new era”(No.2021QB-071)The 14th Five-Year Planning Project of Education Science in Gansu Province 2021“A study on the core behavior of patriotism of children in the new era”.Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities“Research on influencing factors of online education in post-epidemic era”(No.31920210125).
文摘This study examined the moderating effects of parent-child,same-sex,opposite-sex and teacher-student relation-ships between sibling status and loneliness during COVID-19.A total of 1,591 adolescents in China completed the study questionnaires which assessed the aforementioned variables.The results showed that same-sex and teacher-student relationships moderated the association between sibling status and loneliness.The results indicated that among participants with good same-sex relationships during COVID-19,compared to non-only-children parti-cipants,the only-children participants were more likely to experience a lower level of loneliness.However,parti-cipants with poor same-sex relationships experienced similar level of loneliness regardless of whether they had siblings.Thesefindings would be helpful for parents,teachers,and other stakeholders to take effective measures to reduce loneliness feelings among Chinese adolescents.
基金supported by the FONDECYT(National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development)Project No.1120331 and Project No.1171071subsidised by the Chilean state through by the ANID(Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo).
文摘Loneliness is considered a public health problem that negatively affects wellbeing,especially in the older population.In Latin-American countries,most of the older population live with their family.Although this is thought to diminish feelings of loneliness,there is scarce data to support this.The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of loneliness and evaluate its association with objective social networks,family functioning and perception of social support,in a sample of older people from Santiago,Chile.A survey was conducted of a representative sample of community older people(60–97 years)from Santiago,Chile,using the UCLA abbreviated scale of loneliness.Logistic regression was performed to test the variables related to the loneliness of older people.A total of 1,217 older people were interviewed.88%were living with at least one person at home and 92%had living children.Using the UCLA abbreviated scale,45%were found to perceive feelings of loneliness at least some of the time.Logistic regression showed significant association between loneliness and family dysfunction;depressive symptoms;living alone;not having a partner(widowed,separated or single);having little contact with relatives and friends;feeling a lack of social support;and sensation of poor self-efficacy.Loneliness is a prevalent public health problem in this older Latin-American community.Living accompanied does not protect against loneliness,particularly in vulnerable groups such as those with depression,or when there are family conflicts.The high prevalence of loneliness strongly conveys the need for public health policies to address loneliness in older people.
文摘Pets’ growing role in family dynamics creates questions about resources pets may provide in parenthood motivation. Pet ownership has been suggested in the literature as an antecedent to parenthood in terms of developing skills needed to rear offspring, nurturance, and responsibility. Participants (N = 118) who were pet owners, completed an online survey that recorded demographics and consisted of loneliness, pet attitude, and parenthood motivation scales. Results supported that loneliness and pet attitude were positively related to parenthood motivation (all p’s < 0.05). Loneliness and parenthood motivation did not vary by pet species. Pet attitude varied by pet species;dog owners had the most positive attitude. Pets were shown to be a valuable resource in alleviating feelings of loneliness and parenthood preparation in this sample. Implications for nursing practice and future research are discussed.
文摘Arthur Miller is one of the representatives of American playwrights in 1940 s. Miller's contribution to modern drama lies in making a good expression of the common's tragedy in his drama. Thus he is called as"an American Ibsenian playwright". The Death of a Salesman, Miller's masterwork, presents a society in pursuit of"success". In it, the hero is just a poor man with failures, and his disillusionment of dream ends up with his tragic death. This thesis primarily summarizes the former studies of the Death of a Salesman, and from a novel prospective, focuses on exploring the reasons and results of the hero's loneliness, so as to further the study of the tragic spirit in it.
文摘Objectives:Loneliness is a biopsychosocial determinant of health and contributes to physical and psychological chronic illnesses,functional decline,and mortality in older adults.This paper presents the results of the first randomized trial of LISTEN,which is a new cognitive behavioral intervention for loneliness,on loneliness,neuroimmunological stress response,psychosocial functioning,quality of life,and measures of physical health.Methods:The effectiveness of LISTEN was evaluated in a sample population comprising 27 lonely,chronically ill,older adults living in Appalachia.Participants were randomized into LISTEN or educational attention control groups.Outcome measures included salivary cortisol and DHEA,interleukin-6,interleukin-2,depressive symptoms,loneliness,perceived social support,functional ability,quality of life,fasting glucose,blood pressure,and body mass index.Results:At 12 weeks after the last intervention session,participants of the LISTEN group reported reduced loneliness(p=0.03),enhanced overall social support(p=0.05),and decreased systolic blood pressure(p=0.02).The attention control group reported decreased functional ability(p=0.10)and reduced quality of life(p=0.13).Conclusions:LISTEN can effectively diminish loneliness and decrease the systolic blood pressure in community-dwelling,chronically ill,older adults.Results indicate that this population,if left with untreated loneliness,may experience functional impairment over a period as short as 4 months.Further studies on LISTEN are needed with larger samples,in varied populations,and over longer periods of time to assess the long-term effects of diminishing loneliness in multiple chronic conditions.
