Correlates of Loneliness in Older Korean Americans: Interactive Effects of Negative Family Interactions. (16th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Park, Nan Sook; Jang, Yuri; Chiriboga, David; Chung, Soondool
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 4(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 634
• Page End: 634
• Publication Date: 2020-12-16
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2170
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: This study examined factors affecting the feelings of loneliness among older Korean Americans. Data were drawn from a survey with older Korean Americans aged 60 or over (N = 2, 150) in five states (California, New York, Texas, Hawaii, and Florida), conducted during 2017−2018. In hierarchical multiple regression models, loneliness was regressed on five blocks of variables: (1) demographic/health (age, gender, education, financial status, chronic conditions, and physical disabilities); (2) immigration-related (length of stay in the U.S., and acculturation); (3) social engagement (having meals alone, family network, friend network, activity participation, and community engagement); (4) negative family interactions; and (5) interactions of negative family interactions with social engagement variables. A significant interaction was found in the relationship between friend network and negative family interactions: the impact of negative family interactions on loneliness was buffered by friend network. Implications of findings were discussed regarding working with older immigrants with limited social networks.