Lonely, but not the same: Exploring associations of emotional and social loneliness with psychological distress in older adults – A gendered perspective
Keck A, Numbers K, Chander R, Herbst C, Grässel E, Stemmler M, Donath C (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
DOI: 10.1177/13591053261488230
Abstract
Emotional and social loneliness contribute to psychological distress in older adults. Gender differences may moderate these associations. This study investigates how emotional/social loneliness and gender relate to psychological distress. A postal survey was conducted with 3108 older adults (>60 years) in Erlangen, Germany, using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and additional psychosocial/health measures. Multiple regressions examined associations between psychological distress and loneliness, gender and psychosocial/health factors. The regression model explained 45% of psychological distress variance (adjusted R2 = 0.449). Emotional and social loneliness, satisfaction with life, changes in psychological and physical health, and access to routine medical care were significant predictors for psychological distress. A gender interaction showed a stronger association between emotional loneliness and psychological distress for women; no such interaction was found for social loneliness. These findings underscore the importance of gender-sensitive interventions targeting emotional loneliness to reduce psychological distress.
Authors with CRIS profile
Antonia Keck
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Elmar Grässel
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Carolin Donath
Medizinische Fakultät
Involved external institutions
Australia (AU)How to cite
APA:
Keck, A., Numbers, K., Chander, R., Herbst, C., Grässel, E., Stemmler, M., & Donath, C. (2026). Lonely, but not the same: Exploring associations of emotional and social loneliness with psychological distress in older adults – A gendered perspective. Journal of health psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053261488230
MLA:
Keck, Antonia, et al. "Lonely, but not the same: Exploring associations of emotional and social loneliness with psychological distress in older adults – A gendered perspective." Journal of health psychology (2026).
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