Changes in peripheral social partners and loneliness over time: the moderating role of interdependence

Psychol Aging. 2011 Dec;26(4):823-829. doi: 10.1037/a0023674. Epub 2011 May 23.

Abstract

We examined the relationships between age, changes in the number of peripheral partners, and changes in loneliness over 2 years among 365 Hong Kong Chinese aged 18-91 years. We also tested the moderating role of interdependent self-construal in the relationships. Results showed that the well-documented negative association between age and number of peripheral partners over time was only significant for individuals with low and medium interdependence but not for those with high interdependence. Moreover, only older and middle-aged adults high in interdependence benefitted from having more peripheral social partners by showing decreased loneliness in the 2-year interval.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Dependency, Psychological
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Friends / psychology
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Loneliness*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Support*
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult