Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science
Specialization
Developmental Science
Department
Human Development and Family Science
First Advisor
Cindy Tsotsoros
Abstract
Individuals who experience neglect within the first eighteen years of their life are at risk of experiencing later life loneliness. This study aims to determine if the type of neglect experienced (emotional or physical) affects the relationship with loneliness later in life and to determine if there is a relationship between the age an individual experiences neglect and their level of loneliness later in life. This was accomplished by using a subsample of 169 women aged 18-86 who reported experiencing at least one form of neglect. Demographic indicators, the 17-item ACEs questionnaire (Felietti et al., 1998), and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, 1996) were examined. Neglect was categorized into three groups: emotional neglect, physical neglect, and both emotional and physical neglect. Age of experienced neglect was categorized into three groups, 0-5, 6-11, and 12-18. When comparing the three categories of neglect by using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, an ANOVA revealed that those who experience both emotional and physical neglect experience the highest levels of later-life loneliness. When comparing the three age groups with the UCLA Loneliness Scale, it was determined that those who experience ACEs during the years of 0-5 (β = .201) experience the highest levels of later life loneliness compared to 6-11 (β = .167) and 12-18 (β = .180). The present investigation extends research in displaying that experiencing emotional and physical neglect at a younger age puts an individual at the most risk for experiencing later-life loneliness.
Recommended Citation
Barbera, Gina, "DOES NEGLECT AS A CHILD AFFECT LATER LIFE LONELINESS?" (2024). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2487.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2487