Lonely, Stressed, and Depressed: The Impact of Isolation on U.S. Veterans

Abstarct: Theory and empirical data identify loneliness as a significant predictor in the development of depressive symptoms. At present, however, little research has explored potential mediating effects within the loneliness–depression relationship among veterans. The present study included 67 veterans receiving services at a VA Medical Center. A cross-sectional design used measures of loneliness, perceived stress, and depression to explore the loneliness–depression relationship. As expected, results identified loneliness as a significant predictor of depression, and perceived stress as a significant mediator between these variables. Results suggest lonely veterans are more susceptible to depression, which is likely worsened by perceptions of increased stress.