The Impact of Social Isolation, Cynical Hostility and Loneliness on Quality of Life in Couples Aged 50 and Over: A Predictive Analysis

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine social isolation, loneliness and cynical hostility as predictors of quality of life in married older adult couples. Method: This comparative descriptive research included 402 individuals who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Demographic Information Form, the Cynical Hostility Questionnaire, the Short Version of the Loneliness Scale, the Steptoe Social Isolation Index and the Quality of Life in the Elderly Scale. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The sample was divided into two age groups (50-64 and 65 years and older), and evaluations were conducted for both groups and the total sample. Ethical approval for the study was obtained. Results: Participants ranged in age from 50 to 90 years, with a mean age of 59.88 +/- 8.41. The mean quality of life score was 26.51 +/- 7.05; the mean loneliness score was 4.66 +/- 1.50; the mean cynical hostility score was 3.89 +/- 1.04, and the mean social isolation score was 1.94 +/- 1.31. In individuals aged 65 and older, loneliness and spousal relationships explained 29.5% of the variance in quality of life (R-2= 0.295, p < 0.001). In the 50-64 age group, loneliness, social isolation, spousal relationships and number of children explained 32.5% of the variance in quality of life (R-2= 0.325). Conclusions: In the pre-elderly group, a decrease in loneliness and number of children, along with stronger spousal relationships, was associated with higher quality of life. For individuals aged 50 and above, loneliness, social isolation, spousal relationships, and the number of children were significant predictors of quality of life. Although cynical hostility had a negative impact on quality of life, it was not identified as a significant explanatory variable in the regression model.