CARROLL, LINDA J.; PHD

                         THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA (CANADA), 1983

                         PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIAL (0451)
 

                         This project investigated changes in loneliness over a three-month period of time. The sample consisted
                         of 140 Introductory Psychology students, initially identified as being high in loneliness. The study
                         examined how changes in coping strategies, personality, and social network variables related to changes
                         in loneliness. Subjects were tested at the beginning and at the end of the three month period, so initial
                         scores and changes in scores were used to predict the course of loneliness. Changes in scores over
                         time were represented by residual scores, and data were analyzed using correlation, multiple regression,
                         and cross-lagged panel correlation (CLPC). As hypothesized, a decrease in loneliness was found to be
                         significantly correlated with low initial depression, not having internal, stable attributions, being optimistic,
                         an increase in satisfaction with the social network, and an increase in self-esteem. Although not
                         significantly correlated active coping strategies, and an increase in network density and multiplexity were
                         significant predictors of a decrease in loneliness. Contrary to prediction, frequency of contact was not
                         related to change in loneliness and rather than predicting a decrease in loneliness, an increase in
                         network size was predictive of an increase in loneliness. The variables examined in this study were found
                         to account for 62% of the variance in change in loneliness, and the best predictors of a decrease in
                         loneliness included an increase in satisfaction with the network, and both initial and change in
                         self-esteem. The CLPC provides evidence that self-esteem, depression, and social network satisfaction
                         may be causal factors in loneliness. Results were discussed with respect to theoretical and practical
                         implications. Various therapy programs designed to aleviate loneliness were examined in view of the
                         present results, and suggestions were made with respect to utilizing some of the practical implications of
                         the results of this study, both in therapy programs and in a self-help context.

Social Systems Simulation Group P.O. Box 6904 San Diego, CA  92166-0904 Roland Werner, Principal Phone/FAX  (619) 660-1603