@article{Tsang_V-2022_101482,
title = {The mediating role of loneliness on relations between face-to-face and virtual interactions and psychological well-being across age: a 21-day diary study},
author = {Tsang, V. and Tse, D. and Chu, L. and Fung, H. and Mai, C. and Zhang, H.},
month = {oct},
year = {2022},
abstract = {Lack of social interaction is associated with a heightened sense of loneliness and, in turn, poorer psychological well-being. Despite the prevalence of communicating with others virtually even when physically alone, whether the social interaction–loneliness–well-being relationship is different between face-to-face and virtual interactions and between younger and older adults is relatively understudied. This 21-day diary study examined this question among younger ( n = 91; Mage = 22.87) and older ( n = 107; Mage = 64.53) Hong Kong participants during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (March–May 2020). We found significant indirect effects of shorter face-to-face interaction time on poorer psychological well-being via a heightened sense of loneliness at the within-person level only among younger adults and at the between-person level only among older adults. Independent of loneliness, spending more time with others on virtual interactions was associated with better psychological well-being only among older adults. Taken together, while the mechanisms may be different across age groups, face-to-face interaction remains an effective way to reduce loneliness and enhance psychological well-being even at times when it is discouraged (e.g., pandemic). Although virtual interaction does not reduce loneliness, its positive impact on older adults' well-being sheds light on the utility of promoting technological acceptance in late adulthood.},
pages = {500-509},
volume = {46},
issue = {6},
journal = {International Journal of Behavioral Development},
publisher = {SAGE Publications},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1177/01650254221132775},
}
