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Loneliness

Correlates, Attributions, and Coping among Older Adults

Clemson University

DeWayne Moore

Clemson University

The present study provides much needed empirical data on loneliness. Subjects (n = 57, M = 64.9 years, SD = 5.04) were given measures of loneliness frequency, intensity, attributions, and coping styles. UCLA Loneliness Scale performance correlated significantly with three of eight items of a social risk-taking scale. In each instance, lonely persons were less willing to take a risk. Loneliness was most frequently attributed to being without others (44%o). Thus loneliness seems to be aggravated by social inaction and resultant isolation. The UCLA scare also correlated with measured depression and anxiety, but they are not identical constructs. Self-descriptions of loneliness ('depressed/sad"-39901? "anxious/restless," -30%) agree with correlations of loneliness with depression and anxiety. Mean incidence of loneliness was 1.50 bouts/mo. (M duration = 7.16 hrs.). In comparison with college samples, older adults evidence a low incidence of loneliness, but equivalent loneliness as measured by the UCLA scale. Possible social desirability effects argue for less transparent measures of loneliness.

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Vol. 10, No. 1, 67-77 (1984)
DOI: 10.1177/0146167284101007


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