Factors underlying public attitudes towards loneliness among elderly people with chronic illnesses

This study examined possible influences on stigmatising attitudes towards lonely elderly individuals with chronic illnesses held by some members of the general public who themselves did not have a chronic illness. Ableism, ageism, individualism, empathetic disposition, religiosity, familiarity with chronic illnesses, and demographics were posited to affect stigmatising attitudes. Findings indicated that, other than religiosity, all the suggested variables exerted a significant effect on at least one of three separate attitudinal constructs, i.e., a participant’s attitudes towards loneliness, chronic illnesses, and elderly people. Each of these variables in turn significantly influenced the average sample member’s overall attitudes towards lonely elderly individuals with chronic illnesses.