Loneliness and depression in the elderly: the role of social network.
Loneliness and depression are associated, in particular in older adults. Less is known about the role of social networks in this relationship. The present study analyzes the influence of social networks in the relationship between loneliness and depression in the older adult population in Spain.



A population-representative sample of 3535 adults aged 50 years and over from Spain was analyzed. Loneliness was assessed by means of the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Social network characteristics were measured using the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index. Major depression in the previous 12 months was assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the survey data.



Feelings of loneliness were more prevalent in women, those who were younger (50-65), single, separated, divorced or widowed, living in a rural setting, with a lower frequency of social interactions and smaller social network, and with major depression. Among people feeling lonely, those with depression were more frequently married and had a small social network. Among those not feeling lonely, depression was associated with being previously married. In depressed people, feelings of loneliness were associated with having a small social network; while among those without depression, feelings of loneliness were associated with being married.



The type and size of social networks have a role in the relationship between loneliness and depression. Increasing social interaction may be more beneficial than strategies based on improving maladaptive social cognition in loneliness to reduce the prevalence of depression among Spanish older adults.
Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. j.domenech@pssjd.org.|Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain. j.domenech@pssjd.org.|Department of Sociology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. j.domenech@pssjd.org.
Joan
J
Domènech-Abella
Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.|Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.|Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Elvira
E
Lara
Spanish Network of Research on Preventive Activities and Health Promotion in Primary Care, Barcelona, Spain.|Sant Joan de Déu Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.|Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Maria
M
Rubio-Valera
Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.|Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.|Sant Joan de Déu Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.
Beatriz
B
Olaya
Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.|Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.|Sant Joan de Déu Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.
Maria Victoria
MV
Moneta
Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.|Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Laura Alejandra
LA
Rico-Uribe
Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.|Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.|Department of Psychiatry, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IP), Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
Jose Luis
JL
Ayuso-Mateos
Department of Sociology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Jordi
J
Mundó
Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.|Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.|Department of Psychiatry, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IP), Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
Josep Maria
JM
Haro
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D013030:Spain