Filza Naz (MSc, 2016-2018) Supervisor: Afsheen Masood, PhD
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
Abstract:
The present research was conducted to investigate the relationship among loneliness, meaning-making and social-networking sites usage in older adults. It is hypothesized that meaning-making and loneliness would be predict social networking usage in older adults. Cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The sample comprised of N = 100 older adults that included respondents with age range of 55-80 years taken from families. Purposive sampling technique was used. The measures comprised of Loneliness Scale (UCLA; Russell, Peplau & Ferguson, 1978), Meaning in Life Scale (Steger, Frazier, Oishi & Kaler, 2006). The results revealed that finding discussed in the light of theoretical underpinnings and conceptual framework. Correlation analysis was carried out to find correlation among study variables. Simple linear regression was performed for assessing predictors of social networking use for prediction. Independent sample t-test was performed to find out age differences use social networking in older adults. It was found that loneliness had no significant relation with meaning-making. Loneliness had a significant relationship with social networking in older adults. There was significant age difference in social networking usage in older adults. Young adults appeared to have more social networking sites friends than older adults.
Keywords: Loneliness, meaning-making, social networking, older adults.
