@article{ref1,
title="Social network subtypes among socially disconnected older adults at risk for suicide: a latent class analysis",
journal="Suicide and life-threatening behavior",
year="2022",
author="Parkhurst, Kimberly A. and Daks, Jennifer S. and Conwell, Yeates and Podgorski, Carol A. and Van Orden, Kimberly A.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: We sought to characterize the social networks of older adults who report feeling lonely or like a burden on others, psychological states that are associated with risk for suicide according to the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. <br><br>METHODS: We used a latent class analysis to identify distinct groups of older adults based on social network characteristics and perceptions of their networks within a sample of older adults endorsing loneliness and/or feeling like a burden. We examined associations between class membership and mental health outcomes. <br><br>RESULTS: Four network types were identified: small, cohabitating networks with daily contact; moderate-sized family-oriented networks with multiple contacts weekly; moderate-sized friend-oriented networks with weekly contact; and average-sized mixed networks with weekly contact. The friend-oriented class reported the greatest loneliness, perceived burden, and lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Social network composition may be more explanatory of loneliness and perceived burden than number of members alone. Profile differences in outcomes suggest utilizing tailored social connectedness interventions. Individuals with small-to-moderate networks may benefit most from interventions designed to build friendships. Individuals with many close confidants may benefit most from psychotherapy. Individuals reporting moderately frequent contact with moderately-sized networks may benefit from both intervention types.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0363-0234",
doi="10.1111/sltb.12893",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12893"
}