The Link between Loneliness and Well-being among Adults: Investigating the Mediating Roles of Perceived Stress and Affective Experiences

Authors : Osman Hatun

Pages : 134-150

Doi:10.15285/maruaebd.1524365

View : 91 | Download : 101

Publication Date : 2025-01-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aimed to investigate whether perceived stress and positive and negative experiences mediate the association between loneliness and well-being. The participants included 443 adults aged between 18 and 60 (M = 35.50, SD = 9.73, 59.14% female). The data were collected in June 2024 through an online survey that included the UCLA Loneliness Scale-8, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Positive and Negative Experience Scale, and the Mental Health Continuum Short Form. Pearson correlation was utilized to examine the associations between the variables, and the PROCESS macro was used to analyze the mediating roles of perceived stress and positive and negative experiences. The significance of indirect relationships was assessed using the bootstrapping technique. The analysis revealed significant correlations between the variables. Mediation analysis showed that loneliness positively predicted perceived stress and negative experience, and negatively predicted positive experience and well-being. Perceived stress and positive experience significantly predicted well-being; however, negative experience did not predict well-being, and its mediating role was not significant. Bootstrapping results indicated that loneliness significantly predicted well-being through perceived stress and positive experience. These results highlight the need for programs aimed at supporting adults\\\' well-being to focus on reducing loneliness and perceived stress while enhancing positive affect.
Keywords : Yalnızlık, algılanan stres, olumlu yaşantı, olumsuz yaşantı, iyi oluş