DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20260618-02 ISSN: 0279-3695

The Mediating Role of Relationship-Related Cognitive Distortion on Depression and Perceived Loneliness in Older Adults: A Comparative Study

Esra Bekircan, Ahmet Çapar
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Purpose:

To compare levels of depression, perceived loneliness, and relationship-related cognitive distortion in older adults living alone and with their families in rural areas, and determine the mediating relationship between relationship-related cognitive distortion and depression and loneliness.

Method:

Participants comprised 193 older adults, with 105 living alone and 88 living with their families. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Geriatric Depression Scale–Short Form (GDS-15), Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale, and Loneliness Scale for the Elderly (LSFE).

Results:

Participants living alone scored significantly higher on the GDS-15 ( t = 6.064, p = .001) and LSFE ( t = 4.727, p = .001) than participants living with their families. Geriatric depression levels significantly predicted cognitive distortion levels (β = 0.7849, p < .001); however, the effect of cognitive distortion levels on loneliness was not statistically significant (β = 0.0325, p = .2121).

Conclusion:

Depression and loneliness levels of participants living alone were higher than those of participants living with their families. Participants living alone did not tend to establish close relationships.

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