scholarly journals LONELINESS, SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND SENSE OF HUMOR. A QUANTITATIVE STUDY COMPARING ROMANIAN STUDENTS AND OLDER ADULTS

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioana Schiau
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Current Student ◽  
Gender Groups

The current study explores social and emotional loneliness, social interactions and humor in a sample of Romanian students, departing from the Schiau 2016 study that found the production and social use of humor to be correlated to a reduced social loneliness in a sample of Romanian older adults. Studies indicate that loneliness can be experienced at any age, and that humor can act as a coping mechanism with life’s difficulties, triggering positive emotions. The current study replicates findings in the literature, indicating that younger adults experience less loneliness than older adults, and use more humor than older adults. Young women in the sample had a significantly more positive attitude towards humor than the men. This study has useful implications for a number of fields, including the economic and marketing sectors. The current student population represents a growing market, and studies indicate that the use of humor by service providers may intervene with any negative feelings that could cause clients to withdraw their engagement and cooperation in the service endeavor (Locke, 1996). Therefore, we argue that, for the retail and service sector, it is important to understand the different approach towards humor by the different age and gender groups discussed in this study.

scholarly journals Adaptation of “Sociotropy—Self-Sufficience” Questionnaire for Russian Sample on Middle Adults and Ageing People

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-233
Author(s):  
O.Y. Strizhitskaya ◽  
M.D. Petrash ◽  
I.R. Murtazina ◽  
G.A. Vartanyan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
Independent Analysis ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Confirmatory Analysis ◽  
Psychometric Validity

Present paper describes that adaptation of a questionnaire on the sociotropy or own assumptions and goals. Paper presents the results of the psychometric validity of the Russian adaptation of the Questionnaire for middle and older adults. Participants were adults aged 35-75 (N=358; M= 49,27; SD = 11,08; 75,5 % — females). Our adaptation was based on a New Zealand version of the “Socitropy/ Autonomy scale” by A. Beck. To check the criterial validity we used “Differential questionnaire of loneliness experiences”, “Social and emotional loneliness scales for middle and older adults”, “Psychological well-being scale by C. Ryff”. The results of the exploratory and confirmatory analysis identified four subscales: “Social non-confidence”, “Dependence on other’s opinion”, “Affiliation” and “Independence”. Psychometric tests proved that all identified scales had internal consistency, and form a general factor. Final confirmatory analysis showed that four scales are comparatively independent. Analysis of the results in age and sex groups showed that the questionnaire maintained its consistency in age groups (middle adulthood, later adulthood, aging) as well as for males and females. Thus, our results revealed that our adaptation could be used on adults and older adults in Russia.

scholarly journals You Pretend, I Laugh: Associations Between Dyadic Pretend Play and Children's Display of Positive Emotions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Rao ◽  
Jenny L. Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Middle Childhood ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Pretend Play ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Age And Gender Differences ◽  
And Gender

Background: Understanding how pretend play is related to positive emotions is important for supporting children's development and promoting their wellbeing. However, previous studies have mainly examined this association at individual levels and overlooked the potential links at interpersonal levels. This is an important knowledge gap because pretend play is commonly performed in social contexts. The current study investigates how peer pretend play is associated with children's display of positive emotions at both individual and dyadic levels.Methods: One hundred and eight Chinese children (Mage = 8.95 years, SD = 0.99, 51.9% girls) were observed playing in peer dyads with toys. An interaction of 10 min was coded for each child's pretend play behavior, social and emotional pretend play themes, and display of positive emotions. Multilevel modeling was used to examine age and gender differences in peer pretend play. Actor–Partner Interdependence Models (APIM) were estimated to test the hypothesized associations between dyadic pretend play and children' display of positive emotions.Results: Compared to children whose playmates engaged in less pretend play, children whose playmates engaged in more pretend play were more likely to display positive emotions (p = 0.021). Additionally, children's display of positive emotions was predicted by both their own (p = 0.027) and their playmate's (p = 0.01) pretend play with emotional themes. Compared to younger children, older children were less likely to engage in pretend play (p = 0.002), but more likely to engage in pretend play with social themes (p = 0.03) when the total frequency of pretend play was controlled for. Boys were 4.9 times and 2.16 times as likely as girls to create aggressive pretend themes (p < 0.001) and non-aggressive negative pretend themes (p = 0.007), respectively. No significant gender differences were found in positive pretend themes.Conclusions: Pretending with peers may increase not only children's own, but also their play partner's display of positive emotions. Pretend play may not simply decline in middle childhood as previously assumed.

scholarly journals Depressive symptoms predict increased social and emotional loneliness in older adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna McHugh Power ◽  
Caoimhe Hannigan ◽  
Philip Hyland ◽  
Sabina Brennan ◽  
Frank Kee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Emotional Loneliness

scholarly journals PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES AND LONELINESS AMONG JAPANESE MIDLIFE AND OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S827-S827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Wang ◽  
Yihan Wang ◽  
Florian Kohlbacher ◽  
Ernest Gonzales
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregiving ◽  
Productive Aging ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Productive Activities ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
Japanese Male ◽  
Male Caregivers ◽  
Social Loneliness

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.

Negative old-age life events and well-being in later life: the moderating and mediating role of loneliness

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Lise Switsers ◽  
Eva Dierckx ◽  
Joan Domènech-Abella ◽  
Liesbeth De Donder ◽  
Sarah Dury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Negative Life Events ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Events ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Emotional Loneliness

ABSTRACT Objectives: Although older adults often experience negative life events or loss experiences, they rarely experience large decreases in their quality of life or well-being. Emotionally satisfying relationships in older adults may serve as a protective factor that reduces the impact of negative events in decreasing well-being. The availability of these close social contacts is essential, and their potential for alleviating feelings of loneliness after negative events could have an important role in promoting well-being. The aim of this study was to test the hypothetical moderation and mediation effects of social and emotional loneliness on the occurrence of negative old-age life events and well-being in later life. Design: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted as part of the Detection, Support and Care for older people – Prevention and Empowerment research project (2015–2018). Setting: Participants were community-dwelling older adults in Flanders (Belgium). Participants: The sample composed of 770 participants aged 60 years and over. Measurements: Participant demographics, social and emotional loneliness, and subjective well-being were measured. Moderation and mediation analyses were performed using the regression-based approach as conducted by Hayes and Rockwood (2017). Results: Results indicated that a low degree of (social) loneliness is a protective, moderating factor and (emotional) loneliness is a mediating factor on the effects of negative life events on well-being in later life. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of emotionally and socially satisfying social contacts in order to maintain positive subjective well-being in later life when negative life events may occur.

Development of a Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Language Self-Efficacy Scale for Social Service Providers Working With Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 555-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison R. Warren ◽  
Ann M. Steffen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Measurement Development ◽  
Gender Nonconforming ◽  
And Gender

There is consensus that providers who work with transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) older adults should use the language preferred by the older adult; however, assessment tools to document professional training efforts are lacking. This study presents data on a new TGNC Language Self-Efficacy Scale, using responses collected from employees and volunteers of area agencies on aging (AAA) across the United States ( N = 155). Exploratory factor analysis supports a two-factor model: Interactions and Information subscales significantly correlated with knowledge of TGNC terminology, genderism and transphobia, gender role beliefs, beliefs about gender and gender identity, and attitudes toward lesbians and gay men. Future directions include additional measurement development work and replication of these findings outside of AAAs.

scholarly journals Membership, Neighborhood Social Identification, Well-Being, and Health for the Elderly in Chile

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilio Moyano-Díaz ◽  
Rodolfo Mendoza-Llanos
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Social Identification ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Neighborhood Councils ◽  
And Gender

The world’s elderly population is growing, and in Chile they represent 16.2% of the total population. In Chile, old age is marked by retirement, with a dramatic decrease in income that brings precariousness. Older adults are economically, socially, and psychologically vulnerable populations. This condition increases their likelihood of disengaging from their usual social environment, facilitating their isolation, sadness, and discomfort. From the perspective of social identity, well-being (WB) can be explained by two principles: social groups’ importance for health and people’s psychological identification with those groups. This study analyzes the relationships between belonging to the neighborhood and extra-neighborhood groups and neighborhood social identification with WB. Urban or rural location and gender are measured, and the sample is 1,475 older Chilean adults of both sexes. The results show that the majority are not members of social groups (52%), and the remaining 48% are members of one or two groups or organizations (42.65%). Only 4.47% belong to three groups or organizations. Those who belong to groups obtain higher scores, emotional–mental WB, and positive emotions than older adults who do not belong to any organization. Urban and rural older adults have the same level of WB. Membership in close social organizations (neighborhood councils) or distant ones (clubs for the elderly and religious groups) causes different WB associations. Membership in neighborhood councils reduces gender differences in self-assessment of health. This result supports the idea that participation in heterogeneous groups with a shared sense of belonging to the neighborhood is associated with higher WB and lower perceived loneliness. Social identification with the neighborhood, rather than belonging to the group, had the most widespread impact on WB and health indicators. The variable social identification with the neighborhood was consistently associated with indicators of hedonic WB.

Older adults living with HIV: a valuable resource?

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 476-496
Author(s):  
VICKI E. HUTTON
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Subjective Wellbeing ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Unsupportive Social Interactions ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Face ◽  
Developed Nations ◽  
Living With Hiv

ABSTRACTSubjective wellbeing was examined amongst 274 adults living with HIV in Australia and the United States of America. There were 164 adults aged 49 years and under, and 110 adults aged 50 years and over. Participants completed a composite questionnaire comprising the Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult (PWI-A), the HIV-Unsupportive Social Interactions Inventory (USII), and demographic and health-related items. Participants reported mean PWI-A scores of 54.7 points, considerably below the Western population normative range of 70–80 points. Older adults reported significantly greater subjective wellbeing compared to younger adults, but still below the normative range. Experiences of unsupportive social interactions were a significant predictor of reduced subjective wellbeing amongst all participants. Qualitative comments provided a greater understanding of the characteristics and psychological devices that enable some older adults to maintain and/or increase subjective wellbeing, even in the face of negative stressors such as unsupportive social interactions. This provides valuable information for service providers and clinicians as HIV increasingly becomes recognised as a disease affecting older adults in developed nations. Rather than positioning the ageing HIV-population as a potential burden, it is proposed that learning more about the coping mechanisms employed by older adults with HIV could prove beneficial for the HIV-population as a whole.

scholarly journals Adaptation of the Bulgarian Version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale (Short Form) for Adults and 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 ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Loneliness Scale ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
The Social ◽  
Two Factors

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.

Relating Hearing Aid Use to Social and Emotional Loneliness in Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara E. Weinstein ◽  
Lynn W. Sirow ◽  
Sarah Moser
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Significant Decline ◽  
Dose Effect ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Emotional Loneliness

Purpose Hearing loss is a risk factor for social isolation and loneliness. We investigated the buffering effects of hearing aid use on perceived social and emotional loneliness. Method Forty older adults participated. Prior to and following the hearing aid fitting, participants completed the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (De Jong Gierveld & Kamphuis, 1985); a change in feelings of loneliness following hearing aid use was the outcome indicator. Results There was a significant decline in perceptions of loneliness following 4 to 6 weeks of hearing aid use. A dose effect emerged with persons with moderate-to-severe hearing loss experiencing the greatest reduction in perceived loneliness with hearing aid use. Conclusion Associated with poorer health status and higher consumption of health care services, perceived loneliness is a challenge to treat. Hearing aid use appears to be a buffer against the experience of loneliness.

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