CORRELATIONAL STUDY ON SOCIAL ISOLATION AND DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

The following study aimed at investigating the correlation between social isolation and depression among older adults. Social isolation is one of the major concerns of when an individual is transitioning from adulthood to old age. Social isolation is linked with several negative health problems one of which is depression. The study hypothesised that individuals who score high on social isolation will also score high on depression. The two variables of the study are assessed using The Lubben Social Network Scale (Social isolation) and Geriatric Depression Scale (Depression). The data was collected from 100 participants aged 60 years and above. The correlational analysis was used to explore the relationship between the two variables. The study found out a moderate positive relationship between social isolation and depression among older adults.