The relationship between family communication networks and elderly loneliness: A structural equation modeling approach across three generations
- 1Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- 2Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- 3Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objective: Loneliness is a widespread challenge among older adults, often linked to negative health outcomes. This study explores how family communications among individual members representing three generations is associated with loneliness in elderly participants, aiming to clarify which family relationships are most impactful. Methods: Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, we examined the effects of marital intimacy in both the older generation (G1) and their adult children (G2), as well as broader family factors such as intergenerational solidarity, family cohesion, sibling relationship, in-law interaction, children’s support for parents and grandparent-grandchild relationship, on loneliness in elderly family members. Results: The findings revealed that marital intimacy within the G2 was the only direct predictor associated with reduced loneliness among older adults (β = −0.314, p = 0.019). The marital closeness of the older generation showed only a weak association (β = −0.194, p = 0.067). Other family relationship factors, including general cohesion and intergenerational bonds, did not demonstrate meaningful direct or indirect effects. Importantly, the quality of G1 marital relationships showed indirect associations with loneliness by strengthening the marital bonds of G2, highlighting a pattern of relationship qualities being passed between generations. Conclusion: This study suggests that it is not broad family connectedness but rather the quality of key dyadic relationships, especially among middle-aged couples, that matters most for elderly loneliness. Efforts to enhance marital relationships in the middle generation may be associated with lower loneliness for their aging parents.
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BibTeX
@article{sepidarkish2026relationship,
title = {{The relationship between family communication networks and elderly loneliness: A structural equation modeling approach across three generations}},
author = {Mahdi Sepidarkish and Afsaneh Bakhtiari and Zeinab Baheshmat and Shabnam Omidvar},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0358707},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0358707},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The relationship between family communication networks and elderly loneliness: A structural equation modeling approach across three generations
AU - Mahdi Sepidarkish
AU - Afsaneh Bakhtiari
AU - Zeinab Baheshmat
AU - Shabnam Omidvar
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/05
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0358707
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0358707
AB - Background and Objective: Loneliness is a widespread challenge among older adults, often linked to negative health outcomes. This study explores how family communications among individual members representing three generations is associated with loneliness in elderly participants, aiming to clarify which family relationships are most impactful. Methods: Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, we examined the effects of marital intimacy in both the older generation (G1) and their adult children (G2), as well as broader family factors such as intergenerational solidarity, family cohesion, sibling relationship, in-law interaction, children’s support for parents and grandparent-grandchild relationship, on loneliness in elderly family members. Results: The findings revealed that marital intimacy within the G2 was the only direct predictor associated with reduced loneliness among older adults (β = −0.314, p = 0.019). The marital closeness of the older generation showed only a weak association (β = −0.194, p = 0.067). Other family relationship factors, including general cohesion and intergenerational bonds, did not demonstrate meaningful direct or indirect effects. Importantly, the quality of G1 marital relationships showed indirect associations with loneliness by strengthening the marital bonds of G2, highlighting a pattern of relationship qualities being passed between generations. Conclusion: This study suggests that it is not broad family connectedness but rather the quality of key dyadic relationships, especially among middle-aged couples, that matters most for elderly loneliness. Efforts to enhance marital relationships in the middle generation may be associated with lower loneliness for their aging parents.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -