Differences in Loneliness among Low, Moderate and High Self-Esteem Young and Older Adults

Abstract

Self-esteem is an underlying component of personality which affects interpersonal relationship, everyday mood and ability to function. Loneliness is a concept which seems to be related to both self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of self-esteem and loneliness to age as well as the differences in loneliness among low moderate and high self-esteem individuals. A sample of 221 older adults and 115 students responded to the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale. The sample was subdivided into three self-esteem groups: low, moderate, high. Young and older adults did not differ with respect to self-esteem and loneliness. However, highly significant differences were found among low, moderate and high self-esteem individuals in terms of how lonely they feel. Implications for treating loneliness in individuals with mental disorders, physical or perceptual disabilities arc discussed.