Measuring loneliness in later life: a comparison of differing measures

Victor, Christina; Grenade, Linda; Boldy, Duncan

doi:10.1017/s0959259805001723

Cited by 144 publications

(152 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Direct and indirect measures of loneliness present a somewhat different picture of loneliness and the characteristics of lonely people (Shiovitz-Ezra and Ayalon 2012). Single-item measurements referring explicitly to loneliness are commonly used, especially in epidemiological studies, and have been found to be a valid way to measure loneliness (Victor et al 2005).…”

Section: Lonelinessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping options and loneliness: how are they related?

Tilburg²,

2015

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We examine the extent to which coping options endorsed by older adults help alleviate loneliness, and experiences with loneliness influence the coping options. Two ways of coping are distinguished: problem-focused, i.e., improving one's relationships, and emotion-focused, i.e., lowering one's expectations about relationships. Loneliness is assessed using three observations over 6 years among 1,033 61-to 99-year-old respondents in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Combining the first two observations yielded four loneliness types: not lonely at T0 and T1, recently lonely, persistently lonely, and recovered from loneliness. Between the second and third observations, respondents were asked to evaluate which coping options lonely peers described in various vignettes had. From this, individual coping scores were calculated. The option to improve relationships did not affect the likelihood of one's own loneliness, and the option to lower expectations even increased it. Compared to non-lonely respondents, recently lonely ones endorsed both ways of coping equally frequently, persistently lonely ones endorsed improving relationships less frequently and lowering expectations more frequently and recovered respondents endorsed improving relationships equally frequently and lowering expectations more frequently. We conclude that considering various ways of coping does not help alleviate loneliness and that persistently lonely and recovered respondents are at risk of a circular process with loneliness experiences resulting in considering lowering expectations more frequently, which results in a greater likelihood of loneliness, thus contributing to sustaining or re-establishing loneliness.

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Section: Lonelinessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping options and loneliness: how are they related?

Tilburg²,

2015

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“…Similarly, higher levels of loneliness have been identified when aggregate measures or scales have been used compared with more "direct", self assessment measures (eg, asking people to rate the frequency of their loneliness on a scale from "always" to "never"). 29,30 In an analysis of data from UK and Australian research, Victor, Grenade and Boldy 29 found that although rates of "severe" loneliness were comparable for both types of measure used , the loneliness scale also revealed higher levels of "moderate" loneliness (assumed as broadly equivalent to "sometimes" lonely on the self-rating scale). This suggests that some older people may be more reluctant to admit directly to being lonely, unless it is quite obvious or severe.…”

Section: Community Settingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social isolation and loneliness among older people: issues and future challenges in community and residential settings

Grenade¹,

Boldy²

2008

Aust. Health Review

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276

241

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Although often associated with older age, loneliness and social isolation are not well understood in terms of their prevalence, risk and protective factors. Evidence suggests that only a minority of community-dwelling older people are "severely" lonely or isolated, however a number of factors need to be considered to fully understand the extent and significance of the problem. Community-based studies have identified a variety of risk factors for loneliness/isolation including widowhood, no (surviving) children, living alone, deteriorating health, and life events (eg, loss and bereavement). Having a confidant has been identified as a protective factor for loneliness. However, evidence is often unclear or inconclusive, especially within residential settings. We identified the need to conduct more residential care-focused research; the importance of addressing a variety of methodological concerns; and the need for practitioners to develop intervention programs that are appropriately targeted, evidence-based and

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“…According to Weiss's (1973) classic definition, loneliness consists of both social and emotional dimensions, which are inevitably affected by cultural context (Beal, 2006;Gierveld, 1998;Victor, Grenade, & Boldy, 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chinese older adults’ resilience to the loneliness of living alone: A qualitative study

Lou

2012

Aging & Mental Health

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Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate resilience factors that help Chinese older adults living alone cope with senses of loneliness.Method: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted on 13 older adults living alone in the community who did not show severe loneliness. Trained research assistants conducted interviews guided by semi-structured interview guidelines. The analysis followed a five-step interpretive approach. Results:The primary theme of resilience was found in cognitive competence, self and personality, and social relationships. The secondary theme of resilience showed a relationship orientation, emphasizing a family-focused, relationship-oriented life, which is in line with Chinese culture. Conclusion:This study demonstrated that family-oriented and relation-focused resilience at the cognitive, self and personality, and social relations levels played significant roles in helping the Chinese older adults overcome their high risk of loneliness. Develop and maintain dynamic daily rhythms that can integrate family-oriented and relation-focused coping strategies at the cognitive and social levels are recommended.

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Measuring loneliness in later life: a comparison of differing measures

Cited by 144 publications

References 12 publications

Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping options and loneliness: how are they related?

Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping options and loneliness: how are they related?

Social isolation and loneliness among older people: issues and future challenges in community and residential settings

Chinese older adults’ resilience to the loneliness of living alone: A qualitative study

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