Influences on Loneliness in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis

作者：Martin Pinquart, Silvia Sörensen · 发表于：Basic and Applied Social Psychology · 年份：2001 · DOI：10.1207/s15324834basp2304_2 · 被引用次数：1042 · 研究领域：Health disparities and outcomes、Aging and Gerontology Research、Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

A widely held stereotype associates old age with social isolation and loneliness. However, only 5% to 15% percent of older adults report frequent loneliness. In this study, we report a meta-analysis of the correlates of loneliness in late adulthood. A U-shaped association between age and loneliness is identified. Quality of social network is correlated more strongly with loneliness, compared to quantity; contacts with friends and neighbors show stronger associations with loneliness, compared to contacts with family members. Being a woman, having low socioeconomic status and low competence, and living in nursing homes were also associated with higher loneliness. Age differences in the association of social contacts and competence with loneliness are investigated as well.