The effect of cognitive functioning and affects on the loneliness of elderly people

Purpose The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of general cognitive functioning and positive and negative affects on loneliness in the elderly people and to analyze the mediating effect of positive affects on the relationship between negative affects and loneliness. Design/methodology/approach The sample of this study consists of 61 people with an average age of 83 years who receive specialized institutional support. Study participants answered a set of questionnaires in which their sociodemographic characteristics, characteristics of the support received, cognitive functioning, positive and negative affects and loneliness were assessed. Findings Cognitive functioning did not reveal a significant relationship with loneliness. On the other hand, there was a positive and significant relationship between negative affects and loneliness and a significant marginal relationship between positive affects and loneliness. Negative affects proved to be predictors of loneliness, and there was an influence of positive affects by mediating the relationship between negative affects and loneliness. Originality/value This study showed that negative affects are risk factors for the appearance of loneliness in the elderly people who receive specialized institutional support and should be considered in intervention programs that aim to reduce loneliness and social isolation of the elderly people.