Linking communication motives to loneliness in the lives of older adults: An empirical test of interpersonal needs and gratifications

Abstract

Utilizing the interpersonal needs and gratifications perspective as the framework for this investigation, two studies investigated the link between interpersonal communication motives and the development of loneliness in the lives of older adults. Results suggest that (a) the interpersonal communication motives are a viable construct to be studied within this target population, (b) a significant relationship does exist between interpersonal communication motives (escape, pleasure, relaxation, cntrol, affection, and inclusion) and feelings of loneliness, and (c) communication is a significant factor in the development of loneliness within the lives of older adults. Implications of these results are discussed, and suggestions for future research are proposed.