Stress and isolation from close ties in later life

Abstract

Research on the relationship between life stress and social support suggests that older adults frequently cope with difficult times by turning to significant others for assistance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate an alternative view which suggests that particular kinds of stressful experiences (i.e., financial strain and the fear of crime) may actually promote greater isolation from others. The data reveal that chronic strain tends to promote distrust of others, and that distrust in turn leads to greater isolation from network members. However, the results further reveal that not all stressors are involved in this process. In particular, recent deaths are not related significantly to distrust or to social isolation. Finally, the data indicate that the process leading to less contact with others is more likely to involve older adults in lower social status positions. The impact of social isolation on depressive symptoms is also examined.