McHugh Power, Joanna and Jianjun, Tang and Kenny, Rose Anne and Lawlor, Brian A. and Kee, Frank
(2020)
Mediating the relationship between loneliness
and cognitive function: the role of depressive and
anxiety symptoms.
Aging and Mental Health, 24 (7).
pp. 1071-1078.
ISSN 1360-6915
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between loneliness and cognitive functioning, and whether
depressive and anxiety symptoms have intermediate roles therein.
Methods: Information about 7,433 participants of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (a prospective,
representative cohort study), aged over 50, was collected at three time-points two years
apart, and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling to assess whether depressive and anxiety
symptoms mediate the relationship between loneliness and cognitive functioning. Cognitive functioning
was measured as a latent factor, with four indicators: measures of immediate and delayed
word recall, verbal fluency, and a global measure (the MMSE). Loneliness was measured using the
UCLA Loneliness scale, depressive symptoms using the CES-D-ML scale, and anxiety symptoms
using the HADS-A scale.
Results: Loneliness at time-point 1 predicted cognitive functioning at time-point 3, b ¼ �0.103,
p<0.001, and depressive (b¼0.426, p<0.001) and anxiety (b¼0.410, p<0.001) symptoms at
time-point 2. Depressive (b ¼ �0.020, p¼0.001) but not anxiety (b ¼ �0.000, p¼0.658) symptoms
mediated the relationship between loneliness and cognitive functioning, total effect: b ¼
�0.123, p<0.001.
Conclusion: The relationship between loneliness and cognitive functioning is in part explained by
its relationship with depressive symptoms. Statistically, the mediation model helps us understand
possible mechanisms through which loneliness impacts cognitive functioning. Results have implications
for cognitive functioning interventions for older adults, and imply that loneliness is also a
worthwhile target for intervention.
| Item Type: |
Article
|
| Keywords: |
Ageing; cognitive function;
mental health; structural
equation modelling; |
| Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology |
| Item ID: |
13726 |
| Identification Number: |
https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2019.1599816 |
| Depositing User: |
Joanna McHugh Power
|
| Date Deposited: |
04 Jan 2021 10:36 |
| Journal or Publication Title: |
Aging and Mental Health |
| Publisher: |
Taylor & Francis (Routledge) |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| URI: |
|
| Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
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