Loneliness in Older People
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Psychological flexibility and its relationship with loneliness in older people
IRAS ID
250843
Contact name
Deirdre Holly
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
We know that loneliness can be harmful for various reasons and can have a negative impact on how a person feels about their life, what we might call their mental health. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence loneliness in older people to see how loneliness can affect a person’s quality of life and mental health. In particular, we would like to know whether psychological flexibility influences people's ability to make and maintain relationships, and to buffer against feelings of loneliness. Psychological flexibility is our ability to be self aware, open to thoughts and feelings and to engage in activities that matter to us.
We would also like to know about how older people feel about their lives and would like to gather information about their everyday lives including the activities they take part in, their relationships with others and how happy they feel.
We would like to gather information on these factors by asking people over 60/those who are retired to complete six questionnaires on one occasion, which should take about 20 minutes. We are working with GP practices in NHS Dumfries & Galloway, who will inform those coming for their flu vaccine of the study and provide them with information and a questionnaire, district nurses providing flu vaccines by house call will offer those that they visit the same information and questionnaire. We are also working with community groups who will send details of our study to their members, including the link to the online questionnaire.This will help provide us with information from a range of people and should help us understand the things that influence loneliness. With this information, we will be able to develop ways to help people avoid becoming lonely and to better help those who are already lonely.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0599
Date of REC Opinion
23 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion