Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

James S. Herndon

Abstract

This qualitative narrative study examined experiences of older adults’ use of teleconferencing information and communication technologies (ICTs) and how their use related to feelings of loneliness. This research targeted older adults residing in North Alabama assisted living facilities who were separated from their previous social network. This research was grounded in the social needs model, which indicates that all humans have a basic need for social contact. This research was also grounded in the buffering hypothesis, where social support acts as a buffer against possible stressful events. Five older adult assisted living facility residents from two facilities participated in a qualitative narrative study to add to the knowledge base on using ICTs and how using these technologies relates to individuals’ level of loneliness. The results revealed positive feelings associated with ICT use and feelings of lower levels of loneliness, aligning with the buffering hypothesis and the social needs model. Along with these findings, other ancillary results were found. First, the initial transition into assisted living facilities can be difficult for some new residents. Second, internal relationships were extremely important to the participants, seeming to benefit the participants’ overall well-being. Third, negative external relationships are harmful. Finally, there are difficulties with using videoconferencing technologies. This research may benefit older adult assisted living facility residents, administrators, staff, and other stakeholders by providing some exploratory understanding of the role that technology might have in decreasing loneliness for older adults.

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