‘Big Five’ personality characteristics are associated with loneliness but not with social network size in older adults, irrespective of depression

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-63
Author(s):  
N. Schutter ◽  
L. Koorevaar ◽  
T. J. Holwerda ◽  
M. L. Stek ◽  
J. Dekker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Personality Characteristics ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Partner Status ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Social Network Size ◽  
And Gender

ABSTRACTObjective:Loneliness and social isolation have negative health consequences and are associated with depression. Personality characteristics are important when studying persons at risk for loneliness and social isolation. The objective of this study was to clarify the association between personality factors, loneliness and social network, taking into account diagnosis of depression, partner status and gender.Design:Cross-sectional data of an ongoing prospective cohort study, the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older Persons (NESDO), were used.Setting and participants:474 participants were recruited from mental health care institutions and general practitioners in five different regions in the Netherlands.Measurements:NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) personality factors and loneliness and social network were measured as well as possible confounders. Multinominal logistic regression analyses were performed to analyse the associations between NEO-FFI factors and loneliness and social network. Interaction terms were investigated for depression, partner status and gender.Results:Higher neuroticism and lower extraversion in women and lower agreeableness in both men and women were associated with loneliness but not with social network size irrespective of the presence of depression. In the non-depressed group only, lower openness was associated with loneliness. Interaction terms with partner status were not significant.Conclusions:Personality factors are associated with loneliness especially in women. In men lower agreeableness contributes to higher loneliness. In non-depressed men and women, lower openness is associated with loneliness. Personality factors are not associated with social network size.

scholarly journals Social Networks and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 237802312098525
Author(s):  
Balazs Kovacs ◽  
Nicholas Caplan ◽  
Samuel Grob ◽  
Marissa King
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Network Data ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Social Network Data ◽  
Social Network Size

We utilize longitudinal social network data collected pre–COVID-19 in June 2019 and compare them with data collected in the midst of COVID in June 2020. We find significant decreases in network density and global network size following a period of profound social isolation. While there is an overall increase in loneliness during this era, certain social network characteristics of individuals are associated with smaller increases in loneliness. Specifically, we find that people with fewer than five “very close” relationships report increases in loneliness. We further find that face-to-face interactions, as well as the duration and frequency of interactions with very close ties, are associated with smaller increases in loneliness during the pandemic. We also report on factors that do not moderate the effect of social isolation on perceived loneliness, such as gender, age, or overall social network size.

scholarly journals Social Support, Isolation, Loneliness, and Health Among Older Adults in the PRISM Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara J. Czaja ◽  
Jerad H. Moxley ◽  
Wendy A. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Social Connectivity ◽  
Social Network Size ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Aging Adults

Objectives: Social isolation and loneliness are serious public health issues given the association with negative physical, mental; and cognitive health outcomes and increased risk for mortality. Due to changes in life circumstances many aging adults are socially isolated and experience loneliness. We examined the relationships among four correlated but distinct constructs: social network size, social support, social isolation, and loneliness as they relate to indices of health and wellbeing among diverse subpopulations of older adults. Guided by WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) we also examined factors that predict loneliness and social isolation.Methods: Analyses of baseline data from sample of older adults who participated in an intervention trial that examined the beneficial effects of a software system designed to support access to resources and information, and social connectivity. Participants included 300 individuals aged 65–98, who lived alone, were primarily of lower socio-economic status and ethnically diverse. Participants completed a demographics questionnaire, self-report measures of health, depression, social network size, social support, and loneliness.Results: Loneliness was strongly associated with depression and self-ratings of health. In turn, greater social isolation and less social support were associated with greater loneliness. Social isolation was associated with depression and lower self-ratings of health. The association between social isolation and health was mediated by loneliness. Individuals in the older cohorts (80+) reported less social support. With respect to loneliness, having a smaller social network, more functional limitations, and limitations in engaging meaningful activities was associated with higher levels of loneliness and greater social isolation.Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of social connectively to wellbeing for older adults and suggest that those in the older cohorts, who have a small social network, and with greater physical and functional impairments may be particularly vulnerable to being socially isolated and lonely. The findings provide guidance for future interventions. In this regard, we discuss how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) may be used to promote social connectivity and engagement. Strategies to make the usability and availability of these applications for aging adults are highlighted.

Social Isolation and Falls Risk: Lack of Social Contacts Decreases the Likelihood of Bathroom Modification Among Older Adults With Fear of Falling

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110623
Author(s):  
Anna C. Siefkas ◽  
Ellen P. McCarthy ◽  
Bruce Leff ◽  
Alyssa B. Dufour ◽  
Marian T. Hannan
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Social Network Size

Fall prevention strategies exist, but little is known about factors that influence whether they are used. We assessed whether social isolation modifies the association between fear of falling (FOF) and bathroom environmental modification. Data were included from 2858 Medicare beneficiaries in the National Health and Aging Trends Study. FOF and social isolation were assessed at baseline (2011); new bathroom modifications were assessed 1-year post-baseline. Social network size was dichotomized as any versus no social contacts. Logistic regression assessed associations between FOF and bathroom modification. Effect modification between FOF and social isolation was assessed with multiplicative interaction terms. FOF was associated with increased odds of bathroom modification. We observed a statistically significant interaction between FOF and social isolation ( p = 0.03). Among those with no social contacts, FOF was associated with reduced odds bathroom modification that did not reach statistical significance (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2–1.3).

Gender Differences in Social Network Size and Satisfaction in Adults in Their 70s

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 671-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre McLaughlin ◽  
Dimitrios Vagenas ◽  
Nancy A. Pachana ◽  
Nelufa Begum ◽  
Annette Dobson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Social Network Size ◽  
Sensory Impairments

Strong social support is associated with lower mortality and morbidity and better self-rated health in later life. The aim of this study was to compare social network size and satisfaction in men ( N = 2589) and women ( n = 3152), aged 72—78 years. Women reported significantly larger networks (Difference 1.36, 95% CI 0.89, 1.83) than men. However, being separated, divorced or single had a significantly greater impact on men’s social networks (Difference 0.92, 95% CI 0.17, 1.68). Poor mental health and sensory impairments were associated with smaller networks and lower satisfaction with support for both men and women.

scholarly journals Association between caring for grandchildren and feelings of loneliness, social isolation and social network size: a cross-sectional study of community dwelling adults in Germany

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e029605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Quirke ◽  
Hans-Helmut König ◽  
André Hajek
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Network Size ◽  
Grandchild Care ◽  
Important People ◽  
Regular Contact

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine whether there is an association between grandparental care and loneliness, social isolation and/or the size of an individual’s social network among community-based adults aged ≥40 years.MethodsCross-sectional data were drawn from a population-based sample of individuals aged ≥40 years living in the community in Germany. Loneliness was measured using a short version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Social isolation was measured using a scale developed by Bude and Lantermann. The number of important people with whom respondents have regular contact (ie, social network size) was also used as an outcome variable. All respondents were asked whether they privately provide grandparent care (no/yes).ResultsLinear regressions showed reduced loneliness (β=−0.06, p<0.01) and social isolation scores (β=−0.04, p<0.05) among those undertaking care of a grandchild. Regression analysis also showed an increased number of important people with whom individuals had regular contact among those who undertook care of a grandchild (β=1.02, p<0.001).ConclusionFindings indicate a positive association between undertaking the care of a grandchild and the size of an individual’s social network, and a negative association between grandchild care and self-rated scores of loneliness and social isolation. These findings build on existing research into the social and health implications of grandchild care among grandparents. Longitudinal studies are required to strengthen the understanding of this association.

Lonely But Not Alone: Neuroticism Mediates the Relationship Between Social Network Size and Loneliness in Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arianna Rigon ◽  
Melissa C. Duff ◽  
Janelle Beadle
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mediation Analysis ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Personality Variables ◽  
Social Network Size ◽  
Severe Tbi ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjectives:Although individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often report higher levels of social isolation, little is known about the factors influencing their self-perception of loneliness. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between loneliness, social network size, and personality variables (neuroticism and extraversion) after TBI, and in particular whether specific personality variables mediate the relationship between social network size and perception of loneliness.Methods:Here, we assessed self-reported loneliness, personality variables, and social network size of 24 individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI and 41 healthy comparison participants. We then carried out a mediation analysis to examine whether personality variables mediated the relationship between loneliness and social network size.Results:Our results indicate that individuals with TBI reported higher levels of loneliness and neuroticism, but there was no group difference in social network size or extraversion. The mediation analysis revealed that the association between social network size and loneliness was mediated by neuroticism, but not by extraversion.Conclusions:Our findings show that neuroticism is an intervening variable in the relationship between social network size and self-perception of loneliness in individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI, and presents a new possible target for clinicians and rehabilitators seeking to address reports of loneliness and social isolation in TBI. (JINS2019,25, 266–274)

scholarly journals The effect of social network on the physical activity—cognitive function nexus in late life

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 713-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Howard Litwin ◽  
Avital Shaul
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Social Network Size

ABSTRACTBackground:To examine the contribution of vigorous physical activity to subsequent cognitive functioning, taking into account the effect of social network.Methods:The sample included respondents aged 65 years and older who participated in both the fourth and sixth waves of Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (n = 17,104). Cognitive functioning in Wave 6, measured as the average of standardized scores for recall, fluency, and numeracy, was regressed on the extent of vigorous physical activity, social network size, and several confounders in Wave 4 (including the corresponding cognition score at baseline). Interaction terms for physical activity and network size were also considered.Results:Moderate and high levels of vigorous physical activity, as well as social network size, were related to the cognition outcome after controlling for the confounders. Introduction of the interaction terms showed a direct and positive association of both moderate and high physical activity with the cognition outcome scores as social network size increased. However, among respondents in small- (0–1 members) and moderate-sized networks (2–3 members), greater physical activity was unrelated to the cognition score at follow-up. Only the interaction of high social connectedness (4–7 network members) and vigorous physical activity was significant.Conclusions:Vigorous physical activity is, indeed, related to subsequent cognitive functioning. However, the relationship is tempered by social network size. Therefore, interventions that increase both social connectedness and physical activity, especially among older people who are isolated and sedentary, are warranted.

Extraverts Have Larger Social Network Layers

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas V. Pollet ◽  
Sam G. B. Roberts ◽  
Robin I. M. Dunbar
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Outer Layer ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Emotional Intensity ◽  
Emotional Closeness ◽  
Network Layer ◽  
Network Layers ◽  
Social Network Size

Previous studies showed that extraversion influences social network size. However, it is unclear how extraversion affects the size of different layers of the network, and how extraversion relates to the emotional intensity of social relationships. We examined the relationships between extraversion, network size, and emotional closeness for 117 individuals. The results demonstrated that extraverts had larger networks at every layer (support clique, sympathy group, outer layer). The results were robust and were not attributable to potential confounds such as sex, though they were modest in size (raw correlations between extraversion and size of network layer, .20 < r < .23). However, extraverts were not emotionally closer to individuals in their network, even after controlling for network size. These results highlight the importance of considering not just social network size in relation to personality, but also the quality of relationships with network members.

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