Reconceptualising men's loneliness: An interpretivist interview study of UK-based men

Ratcliffe, John; Kanaan, Mona; Galdas, Paul

doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116129

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…In addition to the above, men reported greater loneliness within intimate relationships than women. This may suggest that men’s reluctance to seek help might contribute to higher levels of loneliness 94 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the personality and relationship factors that mediate the connection between differentiation of self and phubbing

Peleg,

Boniel-Nissim

2024

Sci Rep

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One of the family patterns crucial for mental and physical well-being is differentiation of self. In this study, our aim was to investigate its impact on the phenomenon of phubbing—where individuals prioritize smartphones over in-person interactions. The prevalence of phubbing behavior has risen substantially in tandem with the increased adoption of smartphones. The study investigated familial, interpersonal, and personal factors that could potentially contribute to the escalation of phubbing behaviors. It was hypothesized that differentiation of self would be associated with phubbing through the mediation of fear of missing out, romantic relationship satisfaction, and loneliness in intimate relationships. We also expected gender differences in the study variables. A sample of 431 young adults, with an average age of 29 (M = 29.05, SD = 9.14), completed the DSI-R, Phubbing, FoMO, ENRICH, and LIRS questionnaires online. Results indicated that fear of missing out mediated the relationship between three dimensions of differentiation of self—emotional reactivity, emotional cutoff, and fusion with others—and phubbing behavior. However, the expected mediation by romantic relationship satisfaction and loneliness in intimate relationships did not reach significance, although these variables were found to be associated with differentiation of self. Women reported higher levels of phubbing behavior, emotional reactivity, and fusion with others, whereas men reported higher levels of I-position. We conclude that fear of missing out may serve as a catalyst, triggering anxiety in individuals, which in turn drives them to adopt phubbing as a coping mechanism. Moreover, individuals with lower levels of differentiation of self appear to be at increased risk of engaging in phubbing behaviors through the mediation of fear of missing out.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the personality and relationship factors that mediate the connection between differentiation of self and phubbing

Peleg,

Boniel-Nissim

2024

Sci Rep

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“…Additionally, while many of the above factors are likely to impact both women and mens, others may be more unique to men. Research indicates that societal expectations around masculine gender norms discourage men from acknowledging their loneliness or seeking help when they do experience it (12,25,28,39,40,41,42). Furthermore, men who belong to marginalised and stigmatised social categories, such as minority cultural backgrounds or nonheterosexual orientations, tend to experience increased loneliness (22).…”

Section: Predictors Of Male Lonelinessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictors of male loneliness across the lifespan: A longitudinal Australian study

Botha,

Bower

2023

Preprint

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Background Despite growing recognition of loneliness as a global public health concern, research on its occurrence and precipitants among men across the lifespan remains limited and inconclusive. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the prevalence and predictors of loneliness among a large, representative data set of Australian adult men. Methods The study used longitudinal data from waves 2–21 of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, restricting the sample to men aged 18–80. Using two measures of loneliness, a single item measure and a multi-item measure, linear fixed effects regressions were estimated that account for unobserved time-invariant individual heterogeneity. Each loneliness measure was regressed on a set of selected explanatory variables over different parts of the life span. Results Across all ages, average reported loneliness scores are higher with the multi-item measure than with the single-item measure. Increased social isolation, romantic partnership dissolution, having a long-term disability, and having more conservative beliefs regarding gender roles are associated with greater loneliness. Frequent social connection, having a romantic partner, and high neighbourhood satisfaction are protective against loneliness. The findings also reveal several differences in the predictors of loneliness over the life course. Job security is especially important for younger men, whereas for older men volunteering and less conversative gender role attitudes are important factors that can decrease loneliness. Conclusions The results emphasise the need to consider age-specific factors and societal expectations in understanding and addressing loneliness amongst men. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the impact of societal norms and expectations on men's mental health. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers to develop effective strategies and support systems to combat loneliness and promote well-being among men.

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There but not really involved: The meanings of loneliness for people with chronic illness

Lewis,

Willis,

Smith

et al. 2024

Social Science & Medicine

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Reconceptualising men's loneliness: An interpretivist interview study of UK-based men

Cited by 7 publications

References 38 publications

Exploring the personality and relationship factors that mediate the connection between differentiation of self and phubbing

Exploring the personality and relationship factors that mediate the connection between differentiation of self and phubbing

Predictors of male loneliness across the lifespan: A longitudinal Australian study

There but not really involved: The meanings of loneliness for people with chronic illness

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