According to the United Nations, by the year of 2050, 16% ofthe world’s population will be over the age of 65, that is one in six people.¹ Considering this, there is more need than ever to bridge the generation gap. Prior research on the theme of different kinds of domestic efficiency, led me to a comparative study between mass produced housing and collective living. I spoke in favour of the values of social sustainability at the price of economically superior construction methods. Departing then from the subject of social isolation and involuntary loneliness versus togetherness, I landed on the topic of elderly care and intergenerational interdependence. This paper proposes the need of intergenerational housing and therefore my method for approaching this theme is through designing a combined elderly care home, student housing and preschool. My findings suggest that the environment which surrounds us impacts us in a number of ways, as does the ambiance, the people, and the relationships we have with them. Therefore, I aim to create a space with a warm and familiar feel as opposed to an impersonal and institutional one and a place where relationships between different age groups can naturally blossom.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / This study examined effects of ostracism on psychological well-being and self-control and the roles of the personality traits hope, optimism, and forgiveness as moderators of these effects. Undergraduate students (N=104) were randomly assigned to be included or excluded in a computerized ball-toss game, Cyberball. Facets of psychological well-being examined included belonging and self-esteem. Participants also completed cognitive and physical self-control measures via tracing and handgrip tasks. Ostracized participants experienced less belonging, but there was no significant difference between groups on self-esteem. Ostracized participants persisted for less time on the tracing task. There were no significant differences between groups for performance on the handgrip task. None of the personality traits were found to moderate the effects of ostracism on psychological well-being or self-control. Results are discussed in terms of implications and recommendations for future researchers.

Social isolation and loneliness (SIL) represent a growing public health and public policy concern, particularly among older adults. Half of older adults over the age of 60 are at risk of social isolation and one-third experience loneliness. SIL is a particular concern for individuals aging-in-place in low-density and rural areas. SIL increases the risk of premature death from all causes in older individuals, and results in $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending annually. Tennessee is ranked tenth in the nation for risk of social isolation. Strategies to promote social connections are a critical step in designing age-friendly communities. A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of older adults (62 years and older) living in affordable housing apartment complexes in Hawkins County, TN was conducted in February and March 2023. Loneliness (UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale), social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale 6-item), and sense of community (Brief Sense of Community Scale) were assessed. Data were also gathered on demographic characteristics, health status, social engagement, and strategies to support older adults aging-in-place. Data from 82 participants aged 62 to 95 (73.14 mean age; SD = 7.00) were analyzed. The majority of participants were female (67%), non-Hispanic White (93%), lived alone (90%), and were retired (84%) with an average annual income less than or equal to $14,225 (43%). Nearly half (44%) report their health as fair or poor compared to others their age and 79% of participants have 4 or more chronic conditions. Overall mean loneliness score indicated moderate loneliness (mean = 4.9; SD = 2.08; range 0-9). 48% were at risk of social isolation (mean = 13.35; SD = 6.14; range 0-29). The total mean sense of community score was moderate (mean = 22.9; SD = 1.09; range 0-40). Factors associated with SIL will be analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test. Strategies to promote social engagement will be discussed. Living and growing older in rural communities is considered a primary risk factor for SIL. To support healthy aging, local efforts must include strategies to increase social engagement for rural older adults and their communities. Results from this needs assessment will be used to generate recommendations that can be used to improve social connectedness among older adults living in Hawkins County, TN.

Loneliness has long been understood as a part of the human condition, however, its ability to be measured remains a struggle, much due to its subjective nature and many complexities. As loneliness has recently been highlighted as a global health concern in need of intervention, an accurate measurement of the phenomenon is perhaps more crucial than ever. This study aims to give an in-depth understanding of loneliness, in particular how it pertains to a practical tool of measurement. The text discusses limitations of previous measurements and analyzes which areas of loneliness still remain to be underrepresented in established measuring scales. To reach the goal of the study and find the best way to measure loneliness, we implemented our own loneliness scale using both questions from established questionnaires as well as our own formulated questions. Three distinct categories within loneliness emerged- social networks, actual loneliness and experienced belonging. These, along with relevant descriptive factors of the participants, were used to measure loneliness. The final measurement scale was shared in the form of an online questionnaire to a total of 479 participants. The results showed all categories to be distinct aspects of all significant to one another and in the measurement of loneliness as a whole. Both socioeconomic, participants origin, as well as age-related factors also proved to be relevant in measuring loneliness but they did not have the same predictive strength as the main three variables. Furthermore, this scale included previously underrepresented questions which aimed to distinguish trait and state loneliness and situational loneliness-triggers. These all proved significant in the wider category of experienced belonging but did not warrant a distinct category of its own. The final loneliness scale measures both more subjective and qeualitative as well as objective and quantitative aspects of loneliness. As the measurement showed good internal consistency, it can be considered a valid and reliable tool to gain an in-depth understanding of loneliness.

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The purpose of this study was to understand the loneliness felt by refugees who are living in Cyprus and Ireland, countries that are foreign to them. This was primarily viewed through the eyes of employees that dedicate their careers to helping them. The research was conducted using qualitative methods. two employees from Cyprus and Ireland were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used in order to identify different themes within the findings. The data was manually analysed in order to bring these themes to light. The refugee theory developed by Kunz was chosen in order to understand the topic on a deeper level. The findings showed multiple examples of how these employees understood the loneliness that refugees feel. It was also revealed that they do believe that loneliness is a prevailing factor amongst all types of refugees.

<p> There is a large literature discussing social influences on diet choices in rats. However, the ontogeny of social influences on diet choices is poorly understood. Early experiences have dramatic affects on the development and expression of future behaviors.</p> <p> The present research investigates whether early social experience altered the susceptibility to social influences on diet choices in juvenile Norway rats (R. norvegicus). Interactions with dam and siblings between parturition and weaning are prominent features of early rats development. It was hypothesized social behavior developed during this period and rearing pups in social isolation would disrupt the development of normal social behaviors.</p> <p> Conspecifics influence the diet preferences of others by socially interacting. The first experiment investigated whether demonstrators could influence diet choices of rats with no social experience. In terms of diet preferences, demonstrators influenced both normally reared rats and rats reared in social isolation.</p> <p> Interactions with conspecifics and exposure to diet odors without social contexts influenced the diet choices of 21 day old pups. Only interactions with conspecifics influenced diet choices of 28 day old rats. Rearing rats in social isolation may delay the onset of social specificity and the results of experiment 1 may have been the product of two different mechanisms. The second experiment investigated whether rats reared in social isolation attended to socially specific cues or to general olfactory cues. Exposure to flavored diets in a non-social context did not influence diet choices of rats reared in social isolation or normally-reared rats. Thus early social interactions do not appear to be necessary for demonstrator rats to influence the diet choices of other rats.</p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

This dissertation explores the lived experiences of workers who are involuntarily socially isolated in their work-places through the actions of one or more colleagues. This hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry is called by the question, "What is the lived experience of other-imposed social isolation in the work-place?" This study also explores the ways these targeted workers are lost and forgotten, by themselves and others, for the periods of time they remain in their socially isolating work-places. The tradition of hermeneutic phenomenology grounds this inquiry, guided primarily by the works of Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Martin Buber, and to lesser and varying degrees by David Abram, Hans-George Gadamer, Edmond Husserl, David Michael Levin, Emmanual Levinas, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. Max van Manen's six methodological guidelines serve as the framework for the research activities that comprise this study. From conversations with, and written reflections from, eight work-place professionals, this study reveals what it is like to experience other-imposed, work-place social isolation. Through hermeneutic phenomenological exploration, the stories of these eight workers reveal lived experience along three primary themes. First, other-imposed social isolation is abusive power and control that is comprised of shameful, indecent acts. Second, the targets of involuntary social isolation experience relentless, wounding trauma. Third, while remaining in their socially isolating work-places, and sometimes for years after leaving, targeted workers bear the burdened weight of crushing grief. The study suggests a need to expose antiquated, yet accepted, work-place mores, that serve as unconscious barriers to work-place respect and dignity. Further, the study reveals that conscious, and conscientious, awareness and attention to abusive work-place social isolation are the responsibility of each and every work-place citizen. Finally, the study recommends meaningful citizen choices -- such as refusing silence; standing alone, if necessary; and inviting work-place community attention -- to engage with others where workers' truths and dignity are at stake. / Ph. D.