Examining Differences, Relationships, and Predictors for Loneliness in an Adult Population: The Roles of Personal Characteristics, Place of Residence, Leisure Activities, Mental Health, and Social Outcomes

Vasiliki Tzouvara () and Pinar Kupdere
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Vasiliki Tzouvara: Care for Long-Term Conditions Research Division, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
Pinar Kupdere: Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK

Social Sciences, 2022, vol. 11, issue 9, 1-18

Abstract: Loneliness is associated with poor mental and social outcomes globally. The literature suggests an association between loneliness and personal characteristics, place of residence, and leisure activities. However, the current literature has produced inconsistent findings and has focused largely on older adults. This study is one of the first to examine the differences, relationships, and predictors of loneliness in an adult population, and the roles of personal characteristics, place of residence, leisure activities, mental health, and social outcomes. A cross-sectional online survey was undertaken. A sample of 155 adults responded, with a mean age of 34.5 years (SD = 13.2), and with 54.1% identifying as female. An analysis revealed experiences of loneliness across the sample. In addition, age was moderately associated with loneliness, while psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and social networks were significantly associated with loneliness. Depressive symptoms were a positive predictor for loneliness, and social networks were a negative predictor for loneliness. This study has confirmed findings from previous research and provided new information on loneliness, which can guide future research and interventions to prevent or support people who suffer from loneliness.

Keywords: loneliness; mental health outcomes; social outcomes; personal characteristics; predictors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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