Author:
Byrne Christopher,Coetzer Rudi,Ramsey Richard
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveLoneliness, when prolonged, is associated with many deleterious effects and has been shown to be highly prevalent in those with a history of stroke, yet the cognitive mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon remain unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the extent to which cognitive factors, with specific focus on processing speed, are associated with loneliness in those with a history of stroke.MethodUtilizing data from the British Cohort Study (BCS), a nationally representative dataset, we conducted secondary data analysis. A total of 7,752 participants completed relevant questions related to health, social interactions, demographics, loneliness, and cognitive assessments. Among them, 47 had experienced a stroke (“stroke,” n = 47), 5,545 reported other health conditions (“ill,” n = 5,545), and 2,857 were deemed healthy (“healthy,” n = 2,857)ResultsConsistent with previous research, our findings confirmed a positive correlation between stroke history and heightened loneliness. However, inferential analysis revealed that processing speed, alongside other cognitive factors, had a minimal impact on loneliness, with correlations too small to draw definitive conclusions.ConclusionThis study suggests that cognitive processing speed alone is not a robust predictor of loneliness in stroke survivors. Consequently, when developing interventions to combat loneliness in this population, it is crucial to consider a broader spectrum of factors, such as social engagement, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships. This underscores the imperative need for comprehensive assessments to better comprehend the multifaceted nature of loneliness and inform more effective intervention strategies.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Reference47 articles.
1. Combating Loneliness With Nostalgia: Nostalgic Feelings Attenuate Negative Thoughts and Motivations Associated With Loneliness
2. Age UK (2011). Campaign to End Loneliness. Safeguarding the convoy: a call to action from the Campaign to End Loneliness. Retrieved 11th November 2022 from https://linkinglives.uk/resource/safeguarding-the-convoy-a-call-to-action-from-the-campaign-to-end-loneliness/
3. Loneliness and cognitive function in the older adult: a systematic review
4. A Social Model of Loneliness: The Roles of Disability, Social Resources, and Cognitive Impairment
5. brms: An R package for Bayesian multilevel models using Stan;Journal of Statistical Software,2017