Shankar, Aparna, Rafnsson, Snorri Bjorn and Steptoe, Andrew (2014) Longitudinal associations between social connections and subjective wellbeing in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Psychology & Health, 30 (6). pp. 686-698. ISSN 0887-0446
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Abstract / Description
Objective:
The role of social relationships in determining well-being may be particularly salient in ageing populations. There is only limited longitudinal research examining the relationship between different dimensions of social relationships and change in well-being over time. The present analysis explores the association between isolation, loneliness and two measures of subjective well-being over six years using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
Design:
Measures of social relationships were obtained at baseline and associations with well-being over the following six years were analysed using mixed models.
Main outcome measures: Hedonic and evaluative well-being assessed every two years over the six-year period.
Results:
Levels of well-being showed a U-shaped relationship with time. At baseline, higher isolation and loneliness were associated with lower levels of hedonic and evaluative well-being. Individuals with high levels of isolation and loneliness initially showed a smaller decrease in evaluative well-being. The subsequent rise in well-being was, however, also diminished in this group. In contrast, loneliness was not associated with rate of change in hedonic well-being, while high levels of isolation were associated with a sustained decrease in hedonic well-being.
Conclusion:
Social isolation and loneliness show different associations with changes in evaluative and hedonic well-being over time.
Item Type: | Article |
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Uncontrolled Keywords: | social isolation, loneliness, subjective well-being, older adults, ELSA |
Subjects: | 100 Philosophy & psychology > 150 Psychology 300 Social sciences > 360 Social problems & services; associations 600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health |
Department: | School of Social Professions (to June 2021) School of Social Sciences and Professions |
Depositing User: | Snorri Rafnsson |
Date Deposited: | 07 Mar 2018 12:15 |
Last Modified: | 19 Jul 2021 16:04 |
URI: | https://repository.londonmet.ac.uk/id/eprint/1365 |
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