Abstract
Background: Living alone is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among older adults, although it is unclear if it is a risk factor for older gay men. A sense of belonging to the gay community is protective and might compensate for living alone. This research investigated whether a sense of belonging with gay friends weakened the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms among older gay men.
Methods: A community sample of 160 Australian gay men aged 65-92 years completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and two visual analogue scales assessing a sense of belonging with gay friends.
Results: Results supported the moderation model, with increasing levels of belonging with gay friends weakening the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: Results imply that enhancing a sense of belonging with gay friends among older gay men who live alone is likely to be a protective factor in relation to depressive symptoms.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1895-1901 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | International Psychogeriatrics |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 11 |
| Early online date | 09 Aug 2016 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 01 Nov 2016 |