Loneliness

Abstract

The present study provides much needed empirical data on loneliness. Subjects (n = 57, M = 64.9 years, SD = 5.04) were given measures of loneliness frequency, intensity, attributions, and coping styles. UCLA Loneliness Scale performance correlated significantly with three of eight items of a social risk-taking scale. In each instance, lonely persons were less willing to take a risk. Loneliness was most frequently attributed to being without others (44%o). Thus loneliness seems to be aggravated by social inaction and resultant isolation. The UCLA scare also correlated with measured depression and anxiety, but they are not identical constructs. Self-descriptions of loneliness ('depressed/sad"-39901? "anxious/restless," -30%) agree with correlations of loneliness with depression and anxiety. Mean incidence of loneliness was 1.50 bouts/mo. (M duration = 7.16 hrs.). In comparison with college samples, older adults evidence a low incidence of loneliness, but equivalent loneliness as measured by the UCLA scale. Possible social desirability effects argue for less transparent measures of loneliness.

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