Predictors of Loneliness in Older Women and Men

Abstract

Loneliness is an emotion which evolves from cognitive processes when there is a discrepancy between desired and available relationships (Peplau, Micelli & Morasch, 1982). Older women and men are especially vulnerable to loneliness due to the significant changes in relationships which occur in old age. The literature which addresses loneliness in older adults is incomplete, especially in regard to differences between women and men. This pilot study explores whether factors which predispose people to loneliness, and factors which precipitate in loneliness differ in women and men. Univariate comparisons on the study variables revealed no significant differences between women and men. Hopelessness was found to be a significant predictor of loneliness in both women and men. In addition there was a trend for spiritual well-being (existential) and education to have a smaller effect in women than in men. Additional studies with larger samples are needed to look at multiple predictors of loneliness in older women and men.