Assessing Social Isolation: Pilot Testing Different Methods.
Social isolation is a significant public health problem among many older adults; however, most of the empirical knowledge about isolation derives from community-based samples. There has been less attention given to isolation in senior housing communities. The objectives of this pilot study were to test two methods to identify socially isolated residents in low-income senior housing and compare findings about the extent of isolation from these two methods. The first method, self-report by residents, included 47 out of 135 residents who completed in-person interviews. To determine self-report isolation, residents completed the Lubben Social Network Scale 6 (LSNS-6). The second method involved a staff member who reported the extent of isolation on all 135 residents via an online survey. Results indicated that 26% of residents who were interviewed were deemed socially isolated by the LSNS-6. Staff members rated 12% of residents as having some or a lot of isolation. In comparing the two methods, staff members rated 2% of interviewed residents as having a lot of isolation. The combination of self-report and staff report could be more informative than just self-report alone, particularly when participation rates are low. However, researchers should be aware of the potential discrepancy between these two methods.
a The Brown School of Social Work , Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis , Missouri , United States.|b The Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging, The Institute for Public Health , Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis , Missouri , United States.
Harry Owen
HO
Taylor
b The Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging, The Institute for Public Health , Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis , Missouri , United States.
Stephanie
S
Herbers
b The Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging, The Institute for Public Health , Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis , Missouri , United States.|c Program in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation, & Participation Science School of Medicine , Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis , Missouri , United States.
Samuel
S
Talisman
a The Brown School of Social Work , Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis , Missouri , United States.|b The Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging, The Institute for Public Health , Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis , Missouri , United States.
Nancy
N
Morrow-Howell
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057566:Self Report; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States
friendship/social networks/social support; loneliness; senior housing; social isolation