How Do Aging Self-Stereotypes Relate to Social Isolation in Older Adults? The Intervening Roles of Sense of Coherence and Cellphone Use

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among aging self-stereotype, sense of coherence (SOC), and social isolation, as well as further explore the moderating role of cellphone use in older adults. The 817 Chinese older adults were assessed with regard to aging self-stereotypes, social isolation, SOC and cellphone use. Results from mediation analyses revealed that the negative effect of aging self-stereotype on social isolation was mediated by SOC. Moderated mediation analyses further indicated that the path from SOC to social isolation was stronger and the path from aging self-stereotype to social isolation was weaker for older adults with a higher level of cellphone use. These findings indicated that negative stereotypes were related to weaker SOC and are associated with more severe social isolation. Frequent use of cellphones can alleviate the negative effect of aging self-stereotype on social isolation and enhance the positive effect of SOC on social isolation.