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Death Anxiety and Loneliness among Older Adults: Role of Parental Self-Efficacy

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  • Lee Greenblatt-Kimron

    (School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

  • Miri Kestler-Peleg

    (School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

  • Ahuva Even-Zohar

    (School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

  • Osnat Lavenda

    (School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

Abstract

Death anxiety and loneliness are major issues for older people. The present study aimed to broaden the understanding of factors that are linked with increased loneliness in old age by examining the association between death anxiety and loneliness, and the role of an unexplored variable among older adults, namely, parental self-efficacy. A convenience sample of 362 Israeli parents over the age of 65 was recruited through means of social media. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires, which included background characteristics, death anxiety, parental self-efficacy, and loneliness measures. The findings showed that death anxiety was positively associated with loneliness among older adults. The findings also confirmed that parental self-efficacy moderated this association in this population. We concluded that the combination of death anxiety and low parental self-efficacy identified a group of older adults that are at higher risk of developing increased loneliness levels. Mental health professionals should consider intergenerational relationships as a fundamental component of older adults’ daily lives, focusing on parental self-efficacy in old age, as this appears to be a resilience resource.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee Greenblatt-Kimron & Miri Kestler-Peleg & Ahuva Even-Zohar & Osnat Lavenda, 2021. "Death Anxiety and Loneliness among Older Adults: Role of Parental Self-Efficacy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:18:p:9857-:d:638697
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Nina Tumosa, 2023. "Using the Age-Friendly Health Systems Framework to Track Wellness and Health Promotion Priorities of Older Adults in the Global Community," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-5, March.

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