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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Anxiety | Research

Social anxiety and loneliness among older adults: a moderated mediation model

Authors: Shuting Sun, Yawen Wang, Lilu Wang, Jinjin Lu, Huihui Li, Jiahui Zhu, Suzhen Qian, Lianlian Zhu, Hongbo Xu

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Few studies have clarified the mechanisms linking social anxiety and loneliness in older populations. The study aimed to explore how social network mediate the relationship between social anxiety and loneliness in older adults, with perceived social support playing a moderating role.

Methods

A total of 454 older patients completed the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale-6, Chinese version of the Short Loneliness Scale and Perceived Social Support Scale. Bootstrap and simple slope methods were used to test the moderated mediation model.

Results

Social anxiety had a significant positive predictive effect on loneliness and social network partially mediated this relationship. The relationship between social anxiety and social network, as well as the relationship between social network and loneliness, was moderated by perceived social support. Specifically, perceived social support buffered the effects of social anxiety on social network, but the buffering effect diminished with increasing levels of social anxiety. On the social network and loneliness pathway, the social network of older persons with higher perceived social support has a stronger prediction of loneliness.

Conclusions

The study found that social anxiety can contribute to loneliness by narrowing older adults’ social network. High perceived social support can buffer this process, but do not overstate its protective effects. Thus, interventions to reduce social anxiety and improve social network and social support may help prevent and alleviate loneliness in older adults.

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Title: Social anxiety and loneliness among older adults: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Shuting Sun
Yawen Wang
Lilu Wang
Jinjin Lu
Huihui Li
Jiahui Zhu
Suzhen Qian
Lianlian Zhu
Hongbo Xu
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17795-5

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Springer Medicine

Social anxiety and loneliness among older adults: a moderated mediation model

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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