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Men and Women as Differential Social Barometers: Gender Effects of Perceived Friend Support on the Neuroticism-Loneliness-Well-Being Relationship in a Younger Adult Population

Author

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  • Julie M. Turner-Cobb

    (Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK)

  • Emily Arden-Close

    (Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK)

  • Emma Portch

    (Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK)

  • Liam Wignall

    (Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK)

Abstract

Loneliness and social isolation are well known to have detrimental effects on mental and physical health, and the perception of social support is frequently viewed as a protective factor. Yet, the beneficial effect varies when perceived support is considered with respect to gender and personality. We examined the mechanism of loneliness as a mediator of personality on health and moderation of this relationship by perceived social support and gender. Five hundred and thirty young adults (325 women) aged 18–32 years (Mage = 25.42, SD = 4.13) provided self-report assessments of personality, loneliness, perceived social support, general health and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being. Using a series of regression-based mediation and moderated mediation models, we found higher scores on extraversion to be associated with lower loneliness and better general health and well-being; higher neuroticism with greater loneliness and poorer general health. Being male and perceiving greater friend support moderated the neuroticism–loneliness–well-being relationship. Men higher on neuroticism were less able to benefit from lower loneliness when the perception of support from friends was greater, yet were less sensitive to the negative impact on the well-being of perceiving low levels of friend support. Effects suggest important gender differences with the potential to inform health interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Julie M. Turner-Cobb & Emily Arden-Close & Emma Portch & Liam Wignall, 2022. "Men and Women as Differential Social Barometers: Gender Effects of Perceived Friend Support on the Neuroticism-Loneliness-Well-Being Relationship in a Younger Adult Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7986-:d:851658
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rachele Mariani & Alessia Renzi & Cinzia Di Monte & Elena Petrovska & Michela Di Trani, 2021. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Primary Emotional Systems and Emotional Regulation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-8, May.
    2. Harrison, Judy & Maguire, Peter & Pitceathly, Carolyn, 1995. "Confiding in crisis: Gender differences in pattern of confiding among cancer patients," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 41(9), pages 1255-1260, November.
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