Technology-Mediated Communication in Familial Relationships: Moderated-Mediation Models of Isolation and Loneliness

Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolynErthygladolygiad gan gymheiriaid

Fersiynau electronig

Dogfennau

Dangosydd eitem ddigidol (DOI)

  • CFAS-Wales study team
Background and Objectives: We examined whether technology-mediated communication has functional or emotional equivalence to face-to-face (FtF) contact in familial relationships, by scrutinizing the effects of phone, text/e-mail, and video contact on isolation and loneliness. Research Design and Methods: We tested whether FtF contact with a relative would mediate the pathway between proximity to family and (i) isolation and (ii) loneliness. We then tested hypotheses that telephone, text/e-mails, and video contact would moderate this mediated pathway. We compared models for younger (<75) and older (≥75) cohorts, expecting to observe moderation effects for text/e-mail and video contact in the younger cohort only. Data were drawn from Wave 2 of CFAS Wales (United Kingdom) study (N = 2,099). Results: Proximity to a relative had a significant indirect effect on isolation and loneliness through the mediating variable FtF contact. Phone and text/e-mail contact moderated the effect of FtF contact on isolation for all samples. None of the technologies moderated the impact of FtF contact on loneliness for the full sample. Telephone contact had a moderating influence on loneliness for the younger cohort only. Video calls had no significant moderation effect. Discussion and Implications: Telephone and text/e-mail contact have functional equivalence to FtF contact in familial relationships. None of the forms of technological communication have emotional equivalence to the “gold standard” of embodied presence. The study demonstrates the importance of theorizing about the pathways to isolation and loneliness to better understand the likelihood of implementing successful interventions using technology-mediated communication within familie

Allweddeiriau

Iaith wreiddiolSaesneg
Tudalennau (o-i)1202-1212
Nifer y tudalennau11
CyfnodolynGerontologist
Cyfrol60
Rhif y cyfnodolyn7
Dyddiad ar-lein cynnar5 Mai 2020
Dynodwyr Gwrthrych Digidol (DOIs)
StatwsCyhoeddwyd - 1 Hyd 2020

Cyfanswm lawlrlwytho

Nid oes data ar gael
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