Impact of self-stigma of loneliness on psychological distress in older adults: mediation effect of relative deprivation and moderation effect of positive solitude
Abstract Background Self-stigma of loneliness is a major predictor of psychological distress among older adults, but its mechanism has not been further discussed. Drawing on classical relative deprivation theory and conceptualizing stigma model, this study aimed to examine the relationship between s...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Geriatrics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-05904-x |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Self-stigma of loneliness is a major predictor of psychological distress among older adults, but its mechanism has not been further discussed. Drawing on classical relative deprivation theory and conceptualizing stigma model, this study aimed to examine the relationship between self-stigma of loneliness and psychological distress among older people and analyzed the mediation effect of relative deprivation and the moderation effect of positive solitude. Methods The study applied a cross-sectional study design to conduct questionnaire survey by administrating the Stigma of Loneliness Scale (SLS), 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), Relative Deprivation Questionnaire, and Positive Solitude Scale (PS) among 1179 Chinese older adults. The Pearson correlation analysis explored the correlation between variables and Model 4 in PROCESS examined the mediating effect of relative deprivation. The moderating effect of positive solitude in the mediation model was tested through Model 59. Results The correlation analysis shows a significant and positive correlation between the stigma of loneliness, relative deprivation, and psychological distress (r = 0.530 ~ 0.714); while positive solitude is significantly and negatively correlated with the stigma of loneliness, relative deprivation, and psychological distress (r = -0.128 ~ -0.179). Additionally, relative deprivation plays a mediating role in the relationship between self-stigma of loneliness and psychological distress. Meanwhile, it is invalid of the moderating effect of positive solitude in the direct path, first half of and second half of the path in the mediation model. Conclusions Self-stigma of loneliness could both directly affect psychological distress in older people and indirectly through the role of relative deprivation. Furthermore, positive solitude does not significantly buffer the impact of self-stigma of loneliness on relative deprivation and psychological distress. As research findings suggested, it is conducive to reducing psychological distress in older adults by adopting appropriate interventions to diminish self-stigma of loneliness and relative deprivation. |
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| ISSN: | 1471-2318 |