The effect of loneliness on fear of aging: Mediated by social support

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the relationships between loneliness, perceived support and fear of old age, to determine how they differ according to some socio-demographic variables and of loneliness to reveal the mediating role of perceived social support in the effect on fear of old age. In the descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between November 2023 and January 2024, the Loneliness Orientation Scale (LOS), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) and Fear of Old Age Scale (FOS) were used. Correlational analysis was used in the analysis of data collected from 611 participants aged 18–65 with two-stage sampling, T-test and ANOVA were used in the comparison of means, and the Hayes’ PROCESS macro was used to determine the mediating role of perceived social support. Women, singles, young people, those with low education and income fear old age more. There is a positive correlation between loneliness and fear of aging, and a negative correlation between these two and perceived social support. As a result, perceived social support is a partial mediator in the effect of loneliness on fear of old age and it should be considered as an effective source in reducing fear of old age.

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