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Loneliness and Psychosocial Resources among Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Older People in Rural Areas of Chile

Author

Listed:
  • Lorena P. Gallardo-Peralta

    (Department of Social Work, Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Santiago 8320000, Chile)

  • José Luis Gálvez-Nieto

    (Department of Social Work, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile)

  • Paula Fernández-Dávila

    (Department of Social Work and Social Services, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Constanza Veloso-Besio

    (School of Psychology, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000007, Chile)

Abstract

(1) Background: loneliness is a problem that becomes increasingly acute in old age, with greater repercussions among socially disadvantaged groups such as indigenous and Afro-descendant older adults. The aim of this research is to analyze the psychosocial variables related to loneliness in old age. (2) Methods: a multi-ethnic sample was involved, with the participation of eight indigenous peoples and Afro-descendant tribal people (n = 1.348). Various gerontological scales previously validated among the Chilean population (De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Brief Resilient Coping Scale, Health Problems Questionnaire, and Family APGAR questionnaire) and a model are contrasted, establishing the relationship between psychosocial variables and loneliness. (3) Results: Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed the existence of indirect relationships between health problems, via family functioning and resilience, and loneliness. Resilience and family functioning were directly related to loneliness (WLSMV-χ 2 ( df = 345) = 875.106, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.992; TLI = 0.991; RMSEA = 0.034 [C.I. 90% = 0.031–0.037]). (4) Conclusions: loneliness has cross-culturally affected older Chilean people living in rural areas and it appears that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on well-being. This study proves that loneliness is related to several psychosocial variables that can be intervened.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorena P. Gallardo-Peralta & José Luis Gálvez-Nieto & Paula Fernández-Dávila & Constanza Veloso-Besio, 2023. "Loneliness and Psychosocial Resources among Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Older People in Rural Areas of Chile," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2138-:d:1045891
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Felix Müller & Susanne Röhr & Ulrich Reininghaus & Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, 2021. "Social Isolation and Loneliness during COVID-19 Lockdown: Associations with Depressive Symptoms in the German Old-Age Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-11, March.
    2. Lorena Patricia Gallardo-Peralta & Esteban Sanchez-Moreno & Soledad Herrera, 2022. "Aging and Family Relationships among Aymara, Mapuche and Non-Indigenous People: Exploring How Social Support, Family Functioning, and Self-Perceived Health Are Related to Quality of Life," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-17, July.
    3. Bruno Marques & Claire Freeman & Lyn Carter & Maibritt Pedersen Zari, 2021. "Conceptualising Therapeutic Environments through Culture, Indigenous Knowledge and Landscape for Health and Well-Being," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-22, August.
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