Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
Aging Ment Health. 2010 Jan;14(1):108-12. doi: 10.1080/13607860903228796.
To study the possible associations between loneliness and social relationship (social support and family function) in Chinese empty nest elderly.
A sample of 1144 empty nest elderly were surveyed using the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)-Loneliness Scale, the Social Support Rate Scale and the Family Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve (APGAR) Index.
The present study revealed that the majority (80.94%) of empty nest elderly had moderate to high levels of loneliness, with a mean score of 42.84 and a standardized score of 53.55. The level of loneliness was significantly different in subjects' age, marital status and income, but not in sex and education level. Social support and family function were significant negatively associated with loneliness. Multiple regression revealed that less social support and poor family function were associated with more loneliness.
Loneliness prevails among empty nest elderly. It may limit empty nest elderly's ability or access to social relationship. These findings support the hypothesis that if empty nest elderly are better supported and cared for, their negative psychosocial consequences might be prevented or at least reduced.
研究中国空巢老人孤独感与社会关系（社会支持和家庭功能）之间的可能关联。
采用加利福尼亚大学洛杉矶分校（UCLA）孤独量表、社会支持评定量表和家庭适应性、合作性、成长性、亲密度和主导性（APGAR）指数，对 1144 名空巢老人进行调查。
本研究显示，大多数（80.94%）空巢老人存在中高度孤独感，平均得分为 42.84，标准得分为 53.55。年龄、婚姻状况和收入不同的空巢老人孤独感水平存在显著差异，而性别和教育程度不同的空巢老人孤独感水平无显著差异。社会支持和家庭功能与孤独感显著负相关。多元回归显示，社会支持较少和家庭功能较差与孤独感增加相关。
孤独感在空巢老人中普遍存在。它可能限制了空巢老人的社会关系能力或获取途径。这些发现支持了这样一种假设，即如果为空巢老人提供更好的支持和关怀，他们的负面心理社会后果可能会得到预防或至少减轻。
