Attachment style, loneliness and depression in older age women

Abstract

Older adults tend to have more avoidant attachment styles, which may make them more vulnerable to becoming isolated and lonely and increase the risk for developing mental health problems. This study used intensive interviews and logistic regression to explore how insecure attachment styles were associated with poor social support, isolation, loneliness and depression. Avoidantly, attached adults were at an increased risk for social isolation. Specifically, older adults with an Angry-Dismissive style were more likely to be lonely and experience mental health problems. Attachment style should be taken into consideration when promoting healthy aging.

Keywords:

• Depression
• loss/bereavement/life events
• social support
• attachment

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.