Loneliness & life satisfaction 1 LONELINESS AND LIFE SATISFACTION OF TURKISH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS Aslı BUGAY Middle East Technical University, Turkey

loneliness & life satisfactionloneliness & life satisfaction 11

LONELINESSLONELINESS AND LIFE AND LIFE SATISFACTION OF TURKISH SATISFACTION OF TURKISH

UNIVERSITY STUDENTSUNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Aslı BUGAYAslı BUGAY

Middle East Technical University, TurkeyMiddle East Technical University, Turkey


1. 1. IntroductionIntroduction

2. 2. MethodMethod

- - ParticipantsParticipants

- - Instruments Instruments

- - Data analysisData analysis

3. Results3. Results

4. Discussion4. Discussion


IntroductionIntroduction

Loneliness is an unpleasant experience that occurs Loneliness is an unpleasant experience that occurs when a person’s network of social relationships is when a person’s network of social relationships is significantly deficient in either quality or quantity significantly deficient in either quality or quantity (Peplau, & Goldston, 1984). (Peplau, & Goldston, 1984).

We all experience it from time to time, but some We all experience it from time to time, but some people live it day after day for years on end. It is people live it day after day for years on end. It is emotionally depleting, interpersonally inhibiting, and emotionally depleting, interpersonally inhibiting, and psychologically regressing. psychologically regressing.


When we are lonely, we feel empty and very much When we are lonely, we feel empty and very much alone. Intimacy needs are not met and, if they are, alone. Intimacy needs are not met and, if they are, they somehow remain fundamentally unsatisfying. they somehow remain fundamentally unsatisfying.

It is important that mental health professionals have It is important that mental health professionals have become acquainted with the condition of loneliness. become acquainted with the condition of loneliness.

For these reasons, loneliness has gained the attention For these reasons, loneliness has gained the attention of researchers throughout the last three decades. of researchers throughout the last three decades.


Adolescence is a period in which loneliness is a Adolescence is a period in which loneliness is a common phenomenon. common phenomenon.

Especially, university life is a transition period for Especially, university life is a transition period for students from high school to college in which students from high school to college in which loneliness is a common phenomenon because of loneliness is a common phenomenon because of moving from home and breaking social networks. moving from home and breaking social networks.


Many researchers asserted that loneliness is felt more Many researchers asserted that loneliness is felt more intensively in adolescence rather than the other intensively in adolescence rather than the other developmental stages of life (Rubenstein & Shaver, developmental stages of life (Rubenstein & Shaver, 1982; Brennan, 1982; Ostrov & Offer, 1982; Brennan, 1982; Ostrov & Offer, 1991;Williams, 1983). 1991;Williams, 1983).

Most of the adolescents who are isolated with their Most of the adolescents who are isolated with their peers suffer from intense loneliness and accordingly peers suffer from intense loneliness and accordingly demonstrate typical indications of loneliness (Bilgiç, demonstrate typical indications of loneliness (Bilgiç, 2000; Kılıçcı, 2000; Cheng & Furnhan, 2002;). 2000; Kılıçcı, 2000; Cheng & Furnhan, 2002;).


Researches pointed out that loneliness is related with Researches pointed out that loneliness is related with depression and low self esteem (Erim, 2001; Hudson, depression and low self esteem (Erim, 2001; Hudson, Elek & Grossman, 2000; Lau, Chan & Lau, 1999), Elek & Grossman, 2000; Lau, Chan & Lau, 1999), loneliness is related with suicide as well (Brown, loneliness is related with suicide as well (Brown, 1996) and adversely correlated with life satisfaction 1996) and adversely correlated with life satisfaction (Schumaker, Shea, Monfries & Marnat, 1992).(Schumaker, Shea, Monfries & Marnat, 1992).


Loneliness is probably experienced differently in Loneliness is probably experienced differently in various cultures. Thus, cultural comparisons could various cultures. Thus, cultural comparisons could offer new insights into the social factors that offer new insights into the social factors that contribute to feelings of loneliness and to perceived contribute to feelings of loneliness and to perceived dissatisfaction with life. dissatisfaction with life.

However, there is very little cross-cultural research However, there is very little cross-cultural research regarding the association between loneliness and life regarding the association between loneliness and life satisfaction in Japanese, Australian, Italian, Anglo-satisfaction in Japanese, Australian, Italian, Anglo-Canadian and Chinese-Canadian populations Canadian and Chinese-Canadian populations

(Schumaker et all., 1992; Goodwin, Cook & Yung).(Schumaker et all., 1992; Goodwin, Cook & Yung).


Even though studies have been made in Turkey for Even though studies have been made in Turkey for investigating the relationship between loneliness and investigating the relationship between loneliness and several variables, such as age, sex, family education several variables, such as age, sex, family education status etc. and assertiveness, depression and anxiety status etc. and assertiveness, depression and anxiety throughout the last two decades (Buluş, 1996; Demir, throughout the last two decades (Buluş, 1996; Demir, 1990; Eren, 1994; Saraçoğlu, 2000; Tan, 2000; Yaşar, 1990; Eren, 1994; Saraçoğlu, 2000; Tan, 2000; Yaşar, 1999; Yaparel, 1984; Özodaşık, 1989), researches on 1999; Yaparel, 1984; Özodaşık, 1989), researches on loneliness and life satisfaction are very limited in loneliness and life satisfaction are very limited in Turkish culture. Turkish culture.


In this light, the intent of this study was to make a In this light, the intent of this study was to make a contribution to the literature on different-cultural contribution to the literature on different-cultural studies by examining the relationship between studies by examining the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction among Turkish loneliness and life satisfaction among Turkish university studentsuniversity students..


MethodMethodParticipantsParticipants

Data were obtained from 214 (96 male, 118 female) Data were obtained from 214 (96 male, 118 female) volunteer undergraduate university students from volunteer undergraduate university students from Middle East Technical University (METU) in Middle East Technical University (METU) in

Ankara.Ankara.


The mean age of the participants was 21 years The mean age of the participants was 21 years ranging from 17 to 26 (SD = 1.91). ranging from 17 to 26 (SD = 1.91).

Forty participants (18.7%) were freshmen, 36 Forty participants (18.7%) were freshmen, 36 (16.8%) were sophomores, 65 (30.4%) were juniors, (16.8%) were sophomores, 65 (30.4%) were juniors, 59 (27.6) were seniors, and 14 (6.5) were graduate 59 (27.6) were seniors, and 14 (6.5) were graduate students. students.

In addition, 18 students (8.4%) were not satisfy, 52 In addition, 18 students (8.4%) were not satisfy, 52 (24.2) were rarely satisfy, 13 (6.1%) were sometimes (24.2) were rarely satisfy, 13 (6.1%) were sometimes satisfy, 83 (38.8) were mostly, 48 (22.4) were always satisfy, 83 (38.8) were mostly, 48 (22.4) were always satisfy their relationship status. satisfy their relationship status.


InstrumentsInstruments

Three instruments, Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale Three instruments, Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, Peplau, & Cutrona, 1980), The Satisfaction (Russell, Peplau, & Cutrona, 1980), The Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985), and Demographic Information Form were 1985), and Demographic Information Form were used to collect data.used to collect data.


Revised UCLA Loneliness ScaleRevised UCLA Loneliness Scale

The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale is a 20-item measure of loneliness, Loneliness Scale is a 20-item measure of loneliness, comprised with 10 positively sated items ( 1, 4, 5, 6, comprised with 10 positively sated items ( 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 16, 19, 20 ) and 10 negatively stated items 8, 10, 15, 16, 19, 20 ) and 10 negatively stated items ( 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18) (Russell, Peplau, & ( 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18) (Russell, Peplau, & Ferguson, 1978). Ferguson, 1978).


These statements concern an individual’s satisfaction These statements concern an individual’s satisfaction with his or her interpersonal relationships. Responses with his or her interpersonal relationships. Responses on a 4-point Likert-type scale are summed for a total on a 4-point Likert-type scale are summed for a total score in which high scores indicate greater loneliness.score in which high scores indicate greater loneliness.

The Turkish version of Loneliness scale was adapted The Turkish version of Loneliness scale was adapted

by Demir (1989) and Yaparel (1984). Demir (1989) by Demir (1989) and Yaparel (1984). Demir (1989) reported an internal consistency coefficient for the reported an internal consistency coefficient for the Turkish version of this scale to be .96, and a test-Turkish version of this scale to be .96, and a test-retest (1 month interval) reliability coefficient to retest (1 month interval) reliability coefficient to be .94.be .94.


The Satisfaction with LifeThe Satisfaction with Life

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is a measure The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is a measure of life satisfaction developed by Ed Diener and of life satisfaction developed by Ed Diener and colleagues (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin, colleagues (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin, 1985). 1985).

Life satisfaction is one factor in the more general Life satisfaction is one factor in the more general construct of subjective well being. The SWLS construct of subjective well being. The SWLS consists of 5-items that are completed by the consists of 5-items that are completed by the individual whose life satisfaction is being measured. individual whose life satisfaction is being measured.


Each item is scored from 1 to 7 in terms of ‘‘strongly Each item is scored from 1 to 7 in terms of ‘‘strongly agree’’ to ‘‘strongly disagree.’’ Items are summed for agree’’ to ‘‘strongly disagree.’’ Items are summed for a total score, which ranges from 5 to 35, with higher a total score, which ranges from 5 to 35, with higher scores reflecting more satisfaction with life. scores reflecting more satisfaction with life.

The Turkish version of The Satisfaction with Life The Turkish version of The Satisfaction with Life ScaleScale was adapted by Köker (1991). Köker (1991) was adapted by Köker (1991). Köker (1991) reported an internal consistency coefficient for the reported an internal consistency coefficient for the Turkish version of this scale to be .80, and a test-Turkish version of this scale to be .80, and a test-retest reliability coefficient to be .85.retest reliability coefficient to be .85.


Demographic Information FormDemographic Information Form

Demographic information form was used to obtain Demographic information form was used to obtain detailed information on basic demographics such as detailed information on basic demographics such as age, gender and relationship status. This form was age, gender and relationship status. This form was appeared on the first page of the instruments.appeared on the first page of the instruments.


Data analysisData analysis

In this study, statistical analysis included calculation In this study, statistical analysis included calculation of such descriptive statistics as proportions, means, of such descriptive statistics as proportions, means, standard deviations, and inferential statistics like standard deviations, and inferential statistics like independent samples t-test, and MANOVA. independent samples t-test, and MANOVA.


ResultsResults

Loneliness LevelsLoneliness Levels Life satisfaction levelsLife satisfaction levels Relationship between Loneliness and Life Relationship between Loneliness and Life

Satisfaction Level of ParticipantsSatisfaction Level of Participants


Loneliness LevelsLoneliness Levels

The mean The mean UCLA Loneliness Scale UCLA Loneliness Scale score was 50. 8 score was 50. 8 (SD=16.8) for the total sample. Female students (SD=16.8) for the total sample. Female students loneliness level (M=55.9, SD= 14.2) is higher than loneliness level (M=55.9, SD= 14.2) is higher than male students (M=44.5, SD= 17). male students (M=44.5, SD= 17).

To determine if the observed differences between To determine if the observed differences between gender was statistically significant an independent t-gender was statistically significant an independent t-test was applied to the data. The results showed that test was applied to the data. The results showed that there was significant difference between female and there was significant difference between female and male in terms of loneliness level (t= 5.24, df=211, male in terms of loneliness level (t= 5.24, df=211, p<0.05). p<0.05).


To examine the relationship between relationship To examine the relationship between relationship status satisfaction and loneliness level of participants status satisfaction and loneliness level of participants Pearson product-moments correlation was used Pearson product-moments correlation was used according to the correlation coefficient, there is a according to the correlation coefficient, there is a significant negative relationship between relationship significant negative relationship between relationship status satisfaction and loneliness level of students. status satisfaction and loneliness level of students. (r=-0.87 p <0.01).(r=-0.87 p <0.01).


Life satisfaction levelsLife satisfaction levels

The mean The Satisfaction with Life Scale score was The mean The Satisfaction with Life Scale score was 25.6 (SD=5.2) for the total sample. Male students life 25.6 (SD=5.2) for the total sample. Male students life satisfaction level (M=27.6, SD= 4.2) is higher than satisfaction level (M=27.6, SD= 4.2) is higher than female students (M=24, SD= 5.4). female students (M=24, SD= 5.4).

The t-test results showed that there was significant The t-test results showed that there was significant difference between female and male in terms of life difference between female and male in terms of life satisfaction level (t= 5.37, df=211, p<0.05). Pearson satisfaction level (t= 5.37, df=211, p<0.05). Pearson product-moments correlation coefficient was product-moments correlation coefficient was calculated to investigate the association between calculated to investigate the association between relationship status satisfaction and life satisfaction relationship status satisfaction and life satisfaction level of participants. level of participants.


According to the correlation analysis there was a According to the correlation analysis there was a significant positive relationship between relationship significant positive relationship between relationship status satisfaction and life satisfaction level of students. status satisfaction and life satisfaction level of students. (r=0.85, p <0.01).(r=0.85, p <0.01).


Relationship between Loneliness and Life Relationship between Loneliness and Life

Satisfaction Level of ParticipantsSatisfaction Level of Participants The intent was also to investigate the association The intent was also to investigate the association

between loneliness and life satisfaction scores of between loneliness and life satisfaction scores of university students. For this reason, Pearson university students. For this reason, Pearson correlation coefficient was computed. correlation coefficient was computed.

The analyses showed a significant negative The analyses showed a significant negative correlation between loneliness and life satisfaction correlation between loneliness and life satisfaction scores of the participants. (r=0.91, p <0.01). scores of the participants. (r=0.91, p <0.01).


MANOVA was conducted to examine a possible MANOVA was conducted to examine a possible relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction as a function of gender and relationship status. as a function of gender and relationship status.

The results revealed that a significant association The results revealed that a significant association emerged between loneliness and life satisfaction as a emerged between loneliness and life satisfaction as a function of gender [Wilks lambda (function of gender [Wilks lambda ( ) = 0.877, F (2, ) = 0.877, F (2, 210) = 14.74, p210) = 14.74, p 0.05]. 0.05].

In addition, MANOVA results showed that the In addition, MANOVA results showed that the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction changed as a function of relationship status [Wilks changed as a function of relationship status [Wilks lambda (lambda ( ) = 0.067, F (8,414) = 156.36, p ) = 0.067, F (8,414) = 156.36, p 0.05]. 0.05].


DiscussionDiscussion

Culture is important as it deals with the way people Culture is important as it deals with the way people live and approach problem solving in the social live and approach problem solving in the social context. Thus, intuitively, it reasonable to expect that context. Thus, intuitively, it reasonable to expect that the degree of loneliness and life satisfaction felt in the degree of loneliness and life satisfaction felt in different cultures. This has been substantiated by different cultures. This has been substantiated by empirical research (Schumaker et all., 1992; empirical research (Schumaker et all., 1992; Goodwin, Cook & Yung). Goodwin, Cook & Yung).


In this study, total loneliness levels of the students were In this study, total loneliness levels of the students were determined by using determined by using UCLA Loneliness Scale. UCLA Loneliness Scale. Female Female students’ loneliness level (M=55.9) is higher than male students’ loneliness level (M=55.9) is higher than male students (M=44.5) as reported by some students (M=44.5) as reported by some researchers(Page&Cole,1991;Woodward&Frank,1988). researchers(Page&Cole,1991;Woodward&Frank,1988).

Whereas several studies show males are lonelier than Whereas several studies show males are lonelier than females (Avery, 1982; Booth, 1983; Davis & Franzoi, 1986; females (Avery, 1982; Booth, 1983; Davis & Franzoi, 1986; Koenig, Isaacs, & Schwartz, 1994; Page, 1990; Russell et Koenig, Isaacs, & Schwartz, 1994; Page, 1990; Russell et al., 1980; Schultz & Moore, 1986; Solano, Batten, & Parish, al., 1980; Schultz & Moore, 1986; Solano, Batten, & Parish, 1982; Stokes & Levin, 1986), other studies show no 1982; Stokes & Levin, 1986), other studies show no significant difference (Archibald et al., 1995; Berg & significant difference (Archibald et al., 1995; Berg & Peplau, 1982; Brage, Meredith, & Woodward, 1993; Peplau, 1982; Brage, Meredith, & Woodward, 1993; Tornstam, 1992). Tornstam, 1992).


The findings of significant difference in loneliness levels The findings of significant difference in loneliness levels in terms of gender may be caused by the characteristics in terms of gender may be caused by the characteristics of the participants, and more probably the gender role in of the participants, and more probably the gender role in Turkish society. Turkish society.

In addition, it can be stated that the In addition, it can be stated that the social support social support networks are likely to be stronger for male than female in networks are likely to be stronger for male than female in TurkishTurkish cultures. Another possible explanation is that cultures. Another possible explanation is that female talk about feelings more openly than male do in female talk about feelings more openly than male do in Turkish society.Both explanations stem from the Turkish society.Both explanations stem from the differntial socalization of male and female, which is stil differntial socalization of male and female, which is stil very very prominentprominent in the Turkisch culture. in the Turkisch culture.


Loneliness experiences in different cultures may also Loneliness experiences in different cultures may also vary due to culturally unique expectations concerning vary due to culturally unique expectations concerning close relationships. For people in individualistic cultures, close relationships. For people in individualistic cultures, loneliness is primarily induced by unfulfilling and loneliness is primarily induced by unfulfilling and unsatisfactory intimate relationships (Rokach, 1998). unsatisfactory intimate relationships (Rokach, 1998).

On the other hand, for individuals in collectivistic On the other hand, for individuals in collectivistic cultures, the primary cause of loneliness (and cultures, the primary cause of loneliness (and dissatisfaction) is personal inadequacies (Rokach, 1998), dissatisfaction) is personal inadequacies (Rokach, 1998), that is, perceptions of their own lack of relational that is, perceptions of their own lack of relational competence. competence.


Another variable of the study is relationship Another variable of the study is relationship satisfaction. A link between loneliness and relationship satisfaction. A link between loneliness and relationship satisfaction were examined by some researchers they satisfaction were examined by some researchers they have stressed that there is a significant negative have stressed that there is a significant negative association relational satisfaction and loneliness association relational satisfaction and loneliness (Argyle, 1991; Gove, Hughes, & Style, 1983; Kiecolt-(Argyle, 1991; Gove, Hughes, & Style, 1983; Kiecolt-Glaser et. Al., 1988)Glaser et. Al., 1988)..

Similarly, the results of the study revealed that Similarly, the results of the study revealed that relational satisfaction adversely correleted with relational satisfaction adversely correleted with loneliness loneliness


In this In this researchresearch, life satisfaction of university students , life satisfaction of university students were assessed by use of the SWLS. In the study, the were assessed by use of the SWLS. In the study, the mean of life satisfaction levels was 25.6. It was found mean of life satisfaction levels was 25.6. It was found that life satisfaction levels of university students that life satisfaction levels of university students change according to their gender. change according to their gender.

Literature on life satisfaction shown that most study Literature on life satisfaction shown that most study have only examined this relationship in elderly. have only examined this relationship in elderly. Those studies demostrated males have higher life Those studies demostrated males have higher life satisfaction scores than females (Knapp, 1956; satisfaction scores than females (Knapp, 1956; Liang,1982; Snyder& Spreitzer,1974). Thus, this Liang,1982; Snyder& Spreitzer,1974). Thus, this findings contibute an evidence the literature on findings contibute an evidence the literature on gender differences in life satisfaction on other age gender differences in life satisfaction on other age groups.groups.


Finally, the results of the study revealed that Finally, the results of the study revealed that loneliness was negatively related to life satisfaction. loneliness was negatively related to life satisfaction. Similarly, measures of loneliness have been shown to Similarly, measures of loneliness have been shown to correlate negatively with reported life satisfaction in correlate negatively with reported life satisfaction in elderly subjects (Bowling, Eldermann, Leaver & elderly subjects (Bowling, Eldermann, Leaver & Hoekel, 1989; Doyle & Forehand, 1984; Moore & Hoekel, 1989; Doyle & Forehand, 1984; Moore & Schultz, 1987), but similar research has not been Schultz, 1987), but similar research has not been conducted using other age groups and populations. conducted using other age groups and populations.


Hence, this study was to make a contribution to the Hence, this study was to make a contribution to the literature on different-cultural studies and on other literature on different-cultural studies and on other age groups by examining the relationship between age groups by examining the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction among Turkish loneliness and life satisfaction among Turkish university studentsuniversity students


The present study has also some limitations. The The present study has also some limitations. The sample did not represent all university students sample did not represent all university students because of the convenience sampling. Based on the because of the convenience sampling. Based on the limitation, the findings need to be replicated with limitation, the findings need to be replicated with more representative sample of the university students.more representative sample of the university students.

Finally, more direct indicators of individualism-Finally, more direct indicators of individualism-

collectivism are required that will allow for a more collectivism are required that will allow for a more extensive assessment of the impact of both extensive assessment of the impact of both individual-and cultural level vales and beliefs on individual-and cultural level vales and beliefs on loneliness and life satisfaction.loneliness and life satisfaction.


There is a dearth of cross cultural studies examining There is a dearth of cross cultural studies examining loneliness and life satisfaction, and it would be useful loneliness and life satisfaction, and it would be useful to establish frameworks that can guide future to establish frameworks that can guide future research. That might contribute to how people research. That might contribute to how people respond to loneliness. The findings may be beneficial respond to loneliness. The findings may be beneficial for academic staff, counselors, psychologists, and for academic staff, counselors, psychologists, and researchersresearchers..

Documents

Loneliness & life satisfaction 1 LONELINESS AND LIFE SATISFACTION OF TURKISH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS Aslı BUGAY Middle East Technical University, Turkey