- Title
- The relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms among older gay men : the moderating role of sense of belonging with gay friends
- Creator
- McLaren, Suzanne
- Date
- 2016
- Type
- Text; Journal article
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/154470
- Identifier
- vital:11149
- Identifier
-
https://doi.org/10.1017/s1041610216001241
- Identifier
- ISSN:1041-6102
- Abstract
- Background: Living alone is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among older adults, although it is unclear if it is a risk factor for older gay men. A sense of belonging to the gay community is protective and might compensate for living alone. This research investigated whether a sense of belonging with gay friends weakened the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms among older gay men. Methods: A community sample of 160 Australian gay men aged 65-92 years completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and two visual analogue scales assessing a sense of belonging with gay friends. Results: Results supported the moderation model, with increasing levels of belonging with gay friends weakening the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Results imply that enhancing a sense of belonging with gay friends among older gay men who live alone is likely to be a protective factor in relation to depressive symptoms.
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- Relation
- International Psychogeriatrics Vol. 28, no. 11 (2016), p. 1895-1901
- Rights
- Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2016
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences; 11 Medical and Health Sciences; Living alone; Depressive symptoms; Gay men; Sense of belonging
- Reviewed
- Hits: 631
- Visitors: 609
- Downloads: 1
| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format |
|---|