Resonances of Feeling Alone: A Systematic Review Unveiling Older Persons' Loneliness and Its Mechanisms in Residential Care Facilities

IF 3.4 3区医学 Q1 NURSING Journal of Advanced Nursing Pub Date : 2025-01-26 DOI:10.1111/jan.16766

Amarjot S. Gill, Suzanne S. Sullivan

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Abstract

Aim

To review older persons' lived experiences and perceptions of loneliness in residential care facilities and characterise mechanisms underlying their experiences through a comprehensive loneliness model.

Design

A systematic review synthesising qualitative research on the experiences of loneliness among older people living in residential care facilities.

Methods

This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines with quality appraisal conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.

Data Sources

Articles published in English (2014–2024) from CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science.

Results

Sixteen articles met inclusion criteria, representing 357 participants across 10 countries and regions. Three core themes of loneliness were identified: relational and individualised loneliness experiences, perception and emotional distress and the influence of context and cognitive processes in modulating loneliness. A conceptual model delineating the mechanisms of older residents' loneliness in residential settings was developed.

Conclusion

This review highlights the influence of older persons' residential context and cognitive processes, particularly their perceptions, in triggering loneliness. The perceptions of reduced social control and insufficient social connections in residential settings exacerbate older persons' loneliness, precipitating distressing emotional responses and diminished quality of life.

Implications

Residential care facilities have a crucial responsibility in establishing a supportive atmosphere conducive to positive social engagement for older residents. Future research must explore strategic transformations of older persons' perceptions through mechanistic targets and tailored care plans to reshape their social expectations within the context of residential care facilities, potentially mitigating loneliness.

Impact

This review addresses the problem of understanding the mechanisms and experiences of loneliness among older persons in residential care facilities. The findings highlight the critical need for supportive social environments and targeted interventions in residential care settings to improve residents' well-being and quality of life globally.

Reporting Method

Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

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孤独感的共鸣：揭示养老院老年人孤独感及其机制的系统综述

回顾老年人在住宿护理机构的生活经历和对孤独的感知，并通过一个全面的孤独模型来描述他们经历的机制。

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来源期刊

Journal of Advanced Nursing 医学-护理

CiteScore

6.40

自引率

7.90%

发文量

369

审稿时长

3 months

期刊介绍： The Journal of Advanced Nursing (JAN) contributes to the advancement of evidence-based nursing, midwifery and healthcare by disseminating high quality research and scholarship of contemporary relevance and with potential to advance knowledge for practice, education, management or policy. All JAN papers are required to have a sound scientific, evidential, theoretical or philosophical base and to be critical, questioning and scholarly in approach. As an international journal, JAN promotes diversity of research and scholarship in terms of culture, paradigm and healthcare context. For JAN’s worldwide readership, authors are expected to make clear the wider international relevance of their work and to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural considerations and differences.