Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The prevalence of loneliness and depression has increased over the past decade. While depression is recognized as a common outcome of loneliness, the mechanisms underlying this connection remain poorly understood. Drawing on the Evolutionary Theory of Loneliness, this study investigated perceived stress as a potential mediator in the association between loneliness and depression while also examining gender and age differences. In a cross-sectional study conducted between 2021 and 2022, data was retrieved from a population-based sample of Finnish families, with 9,752 participants aged 18 to 88. Loneliness was assessed using a 3-item version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, depression with the Brief Symptom Inventory, and perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale. The mediating effect of perceived stress was analyzed using mixed-model causal mediation, while age-related trends were examined with LOESS regression and gender differences were assessed using Welch's t-tests, along with separate mediation analyses for men and women. Results showed that loneliness was strongly correlated with both depression and perceived stress, with perceived stress significantly mediating their relationship. Women reported higher levels of loneliness, stress, and depression than men, along with a stronger association between depression and perceived stress. Age-related patterns displayed a U-shaped curve, with the highest loneliness levels in younger adults. These findings underscore the role of perceived stress as a key mediator between loneliness and depression, with gender-specific differences suggesting distinct pathways of influence. The results highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing loneliness-related stress.
Source: Doria (University of Helsinki)
Author: Schulman, Saara
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7115301581