2013 Volume 35 Issue 1 Pages 29-38
The present study investigated the effects of receiving and providing social support in reducing loneliness among the middle-aged and elderly, and examined the influence of social support and loneliness on their mental health. Our questionnaire was administered to people aged 50 and over. The final sample consisted of 326 respondents (212 male and 114 female). We measured loneliness by using the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3. Its reliability was confirmed through factor analysis. The questionnaire also included scales to measure mental health (WHO-5), social support, subjective health, and subjective economic condition. The results of path analysis were as follows: emotional support, but not instrumental support, was related to loneliness. Further, no relationship was found between social support and mental health expect for receiving instrumental support. These results suggest that social support does not directly influence mental health, but reduces the negative emotion of loneliness.
