Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Social Isolation And Loneliness And The Experience Of Gratitude And Affection, Elizabeth Sholey

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

The purpose of this study is to examine the experience of social isolation and loneliness among older adults living in Missoula, Montana, and the possibility that affection and gratitude may help ameliorate these negative states. The research questions that were created for this study are: How do older adults perceive social isolation and loneliness? What experiences do elderly people associate with affection and gratitude? Do elderly individuals who are socially isolated see themselves as such? What experiences of affection and/or gratitude do elderly individuals typically remember receiving? Which persons do elderly individuals associate most strongly with feelings of affection and/or …