scholarly journals Psychometrics of Persian version of the 11 items De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale among an Iranian older adults population

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lida Hosseini ◽  
Erika Sivarajan Froelicher ◽  
Hamid Sharif Nia ◽  
Mansoureh Ashghali Farahani

Abstract Background Older adults duo to circumstances of aging such as relationship losses, medical morbidities, and functional declines, are prone to social isolation and loneliness more than any other age group. Furthermore, with The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to quarantine, the possibility of feelings of loneliness, especially in older adults, became an important nursing priority. Therefore, it is important to quickly identify loneliness and respond appropriately to prevent, reduce, or treat it. The aim of this study was to translate the De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale into Persian for older adults. Methods The sample was 400 adults aged 65 and older with a mean age of 71.32 (SD= ± 6.09) years. Recruitment and data collection was done via online methods. The original scale was translated into Persian using the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol of forward-backward translation technique. Face validity and content validity; was followed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Lastly, reliability was assessed using the Average Inter-Item Correlation, Cronbach’s alpha, and McDonald’s Omega. Results The results showed that the Persian version of the loneliness scale had two factors namely social loneliness (5 items) and emotional loneliness (3 items) and the combined score explained 45.66% of the total variance of this scale. In addition, all goodness of fit indices confirmed a two factors model fit and all of the reliability indices were excellent. Conclusions The Persian version of the loneliness scale is useful and suitable for detecting social loneliness and emotional loneliness in older Iranian adults.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lida Hosseini ◽  
Hamid Sharif Nia ◽  
Erika Sivarajan Froelicher ◽  
Mansoureh A. Farahani

Abstract Background: Due to the urgent emphasis on quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, the possibility of feelings of loneliness, especially in older adults, became an important nursing priority. Therefore, is important to identify loneliness quickly and respond appropriately to prevent, reduce or treat it. In order to do so, the aim of this study was to translate and evaluated the Persian version of De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale for older adults. Method: The original scale was translated into Persian using the World Health Organization protocol of forward-backward translation technique. Face validity and content validity; followed by EFA and CFA. The sample was 400 olddr adults including who were recruited via online data gathering. Lastly, reliability was assessed through the Average Inter-Item Correlation (AIC), Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega.Results: The results showed that Persian version of Loneliness Scale had two factors namely social loneliness (5 items) and emotional loneliness (3 items) and the combined score explained 45.66% of the total variance of this scale. In addition, all goodness of fit indices confirmed a two factors model fit and all of the reliability indices were excellent.Conclusion: The Persian version of the Loneliness Scale is useful and suitable for detecting social loneliness and emotional loneliness in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2021 ◽  
pp. 016327872110157
Author(s):  
Reza Hosseinabadi ◽  
Mahshid Foroughan ◽  
Gholamreza Ghaedamini Harouni ◽  
Mohammad-Sajjad Lotfi ◽  
Yadollah Pournia

Loneliness is usually a chronic condition which may lead to physical and psychological undesirable consequences, and requires measurement and intervention. This study was conducted with the aim of preparing a Persian version of the 11-item de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and evaluating its psychometric properties among the Iranian older adults. After applying the translation-back translation method, the prepared script was subjected to the face and content validity evaluations and a Persian version of the scale was prepared. Factor analysis, concurrent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest methods were used to validate the scale. The Persian version of the 11-item de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale showed acceptable content validity. The negative and significant correlations between the loneliness scores and the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale indicated that the questionnaire had acceptable concurrent validity. The results of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed two factors for the scale. Also, the results of the intra-class correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient demonstrated that the scale had acceptable reliability. The Persian version of the 11-item de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale is an appropriate tool for measuring loneliness in the Iranian older adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 79-97
Author(s):  
O.Y. Strizhitskaya ◽  
M.D. Petrash ◽  
I.R. Murtazina ◽  
G.A. Vartanyan ◽  
F.S. Manevsky ◽  
...  

This study aims to adapt and validate the Bulgarian version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale on adults and older adults. We present the results of the psychometric assessment of the questionnaire on a sample of adults aged 35—75 (N=332; Mage=49.45; SD=11.17). Exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors: two factors were identical to the first two sub-scales, the third sub-scale split into two separate factors. Reliability of the new sub-scales was assessed with Cronbach’s α coefficient that showed high levels of reliability for the general scale (α=0.875) and for all four sub-scales (α ranged from 0.843 to 0.873). Confirmatory factor analysis proved the four-factor structure of the adapted scale. The convergent validity of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale was proved by correlation analysis with the Differential Questionnaire of Loneliness Experience. Our study yielded the adequate psychometric characteristics of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for adults and older adults in Russia. In future research, we plan to increase the sample to standardize the scores for the scales.


2002 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berna Van Baarsen ◽  
Marijtje A. J. Van Duijn ◽  
Johannes H. Smit ◽  
Tom A. B. Snijders ◽  
Kees P. M. Knipscheer

The present longitudinal study aims to explain emotional and social loneliness experienced by older adults ( N=99) during two-and-a-half years of widowhood. Utilization of multilevel analysis and a “visual” cluster analysis with prescribed classification criteria enabled us to search for average adaptational developments as well as individual variability in the adjustment process. Results were interpreted within the theory of mental incongruity. Adjustment to loneliness appears to develop along different individual-specific curves. About 30 percent of the bereaved had not adapted in two-and-a-half years to their loss in terms of emotional loneliness. Presence of favorable opportunities such as good health and high self-esteem as well as coping efforts like social behavior resulted in lower levels of emotional and social loneliness. It is concluded that the adjustment process among older bereaved does not exist. Moreover, including measures of cognitions and attitudes that are related to the relational needs and desires of widow(er)s may enlarge our knowledge of how older adults adapt to partner death.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Noëlla Fierloos ◽  
Siok Swan Tan ◽  
Greg Williams ◽  
Tamara Alhambra-Borrás ◽  
Elin Koppelaar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background International studies provide an overview of socio-demographic characteristics associated with loneliness among older adults, but few studies distinguished between emotional and social loneliness. This study examined socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness.Methods Data of 2251 community-dwelling older adults, included at the baseline measure of the Urban Health Centers Europe (UHCE) project, were analysed. Loneliness was measured with the 6-item De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between age, sex, living situation, educational level, migration background, and loneliness.Results The mean age of participants was 79.7 years (SD = 5.6 years); 60.4% women. Emotional and social loneliness were reported by 29.2% and 26.7% of the participants. Older age (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06–1.28), living without a partner (2.16, 95% CI: 1.73–2.70), and having a low educational level (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21–2.73), were associated with increased emotional loneliness. Women living with a partner were more prone to emotional loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.31–2.40). Older age (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00-1.22) and having a low educational level (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14–2.74) were associated with increased social loneliness. Men living without a partner were more prone to social loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.35–2.78).Conclusions Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness differed regarding sex and living situation. Researchers, policy makers, and healthcare professionals should be aware that emotional and social loneliness may affect older adults with different socio-demographic characteristics.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S827-S827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Wang ◽  
Yihan Wang ◽  
Florian Kohlbacher ◽  
Ernest Gonzales

Abstract Background: Loneliness among older population is a public health concern shared worldwide. Using the motivational theory for life-span development, this study examined the associations between loneliness (social and emotional) and productive activities among midlife and older adults in Japan. Methods: The Japanese National Data on Lifestyle and Mental Health, a nationally representative sample of midlife and older adults (2011, N=1,575), were used to examine how employment, volunteering, helping family and friends, and informal caregiving was associated with social and emotional loneliness, controlling for multiple risk and protective factors. Results: Family caregiving was related to more social loneliness. Working, helping family, and volunteering were related to less emotional loneliness, while family caregiving was related to more emotional loneliness. Japanese male caregivers reported more social isolation compared to female caregivers. Face-to-face interactions reduced emotional loneliness among caregivers. Discussion: Findings underscored the nuanced difference of social loneliness and emotional loneliness. Social policies that advance productive aging should recognize “unintended consequences” and aim to protect older adults from social and emotional loneliness. Counselling services and social support programs specifically for Japanese male caregivers are warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Merati-Fashi ◽  
Behnam Khaledi-Paveh ◽  
Hadis Mosafer ◽  
Abbas Ebadi

Abstract Background Dealing with the spiritual needs of patients has been recognized as one of the principles of holistic care in nursing. Therefore, it is necessary for nurses to deal with the spiritual issues of patients. Also, a valid and reliable scale is needed to measure nurse-provided spiritual care. So the purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the “Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutics Scale” in Iranian nurses. Method In a methodological study, English version of the Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutics Scale was translated into Persian by forward–backward translation procedure. Face validity was assessed by cognitive interview, and content validity was assessed by a panel of experts. In addition, construct validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis. The participants were 188 nurses working in different adult wards. Reliability was measured using the Cronbach’s alpha and stability reliability was assessed using the internal correlation coefficient (ICC). Results In assessing the construct validity, two factors with eigenvalues greater than 1 were identified, which explained 58.47% of the total variance. Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.932, and ICC was 0.892. Conclusion As a result, the Persian version of the Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutics Scale shows a good validity and reliability. Therefore, this scale can be used to evaluate spiritual care at the bedside in Iran.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Noëlla Fierloos ◽  
Siok Swan Tan ◽  
Greg Williams ◽  
Tamara Alhambra-Borrás ◽  
Elin Koppelaar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: International studies provide an overview of socio-demographic characteristics associated with loneliness among older adults, but few studies distinguished between emotional and social loneliness. This study examined socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness. Methods: Data of 2251 community-dwelling older adults, included at the baseline measure of the Urban Health Centers Europe (UHCE) project, were analysed. Loneliness was measured with the 6-item De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between age, sex, living situation, educational level, migration background, and loneliness. Results: The mean age of participants was 79.7 years (SD=5.6 years); 60.4% women. Emotional and social loneliness were reported by 29.2% and 26.7% of the participants; 13.6% experienced emotional and social loneliness simultaneously Older age (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06-1.28), living without a partner (2.16, 95% CI: 1.73-2.70), and having a low educational level (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21-2.73), were associated with increased emotional loneliness. Women living with a partner were more prone to emotional loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.31-2.40). Older age (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00-1.22) and having a low educational level (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14-2.74) were associated with increased social loneliness. Men living without a partner were more prone to social loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.35-2.78). Conclusions: Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness differed regarding sex and living situation. Researchers, policy makers, and healthcare professionals should be aware that emotional and social loneliness may affect older adults with different socio-demographic characteristics.


2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1668-1678
Author(s):  
Ágnes Szabó ◽  
Almar A L Kok ◽  
Aartjan T F Beekman ◽  
Martijn Huisman

Abstract Objectives This study examined trajectories of emotional functioning in three domains (depressive symptoms, emotional, and social loneliness) for individuals who experienced spousal bereavement and investigated cross-domain adaptation. We hypothesized that emotional difficulties after bereavement would be more detectable in emotional loneliness than depressive symptoms or social loneliness. Methods Using latent class growth analysis, we modeled changes in depressive symptoms, emotional loneliness, and social loneliness from 12 years pre- to 12 years post-bereavement on data from 686 older adults to identify trajectories indicating adaptive and maladaptive functioning in each domain. Results Most participants reported depressive symptoms below the clinically relevant threshold by showing a resilient (15.5%) or a slightly elevated (53.5%) trajectory post-bereavement. One third (31%) reported clinically relevant depressive symptoms. More than half of the sample reported emotional loneliness post-bereavement, varying form prolonged (17%), increasing and prolonged (28.3%), and chronically high (8.9%) levels. Remaining participants displayed resilience (13.5%) or recovery (32.3%). Social loneliness showed four trajectories: very low and resilient (43.3%), low and resilient (27.5%), increasing (20.2%), and chronically high (9%) levels. One third of participants maintained adaptive, whereas 12% displayed maladaptive, functioning across all domains post-bereavement. Discussion An increase in emotional loneliness was the most commonly observed change after spousal bereavement. This highlights the central role of emotional loneliness in depression after bereavement.


2004 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pearl A. Dykstra ◽  
Jenny de Jong Gierveld

ABSTRACTIn this study, Weiss's (1973) theorizing about the sources of emotional and social loneliness is elaborated – with notions about the asymmetric gratifications derived from marriage, about the conflicting loyalties that result from remarriage, and about selection into marriage – in order to reach an understanding of gender differences in loneliness, both in and outside of marriage. First and subsequent marriages are considered, as well as marital disruptions and never marrying. The data (N = 3737) are from the 1992 Dutch survey on older adults' living arrangements and social networks (NESTOR-LSN). Marital-history differences emerge, not only for emotional loneliness, but also (and contrary to Weiss's theoretical conceptualizations) for social loneliness. The marital-history differences in emotional and social loneliness are greater among men than women. For men, the marriage bond appears not only to be more central to emotional well-being than is the case for women but also to play a pivotal role in their involvement with others. Marital history offers the best explanation for differences in emotional loneliness among men, but social embeddedness characteristics also account for differences in emotional loneliness among women. Apparently, whereas men are more likely to find an intimate attachment in marriage, women also find protection from emotional loneliness in other close ties. The marital-history differences in social loneliness are largely mediated by social embeddedness characteristics, partly in different ways for men and women. Involvement in activities outside the home serves as the context for sociability for men, whereas parenthood plays a more important role in women's social engagements.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document