Diversity in Social Communication and Support: Implications for Loneliness Among LGB Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Current research indicates that structural and functional social network attributes influence older adults' well-being. However, these linkages may vary by sexual orientation. This study examines how social communication diversity and support diversity are related to loneliness and differ between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) and heterosexual adults.

Research design and methods

Using data from the American Association of Retired Persons Foundation's Loneliness and Social Connection Survey of adults 45+ (N = 3,009), including 10% who identified as LGB, we derive entropy scores, which capture the extent to which network size and quality of relationships are evenly distributed. A series of linear regressions were conducted to examine sexual orientat

SUBMITTER: Peterson N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9960016 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature