Reciprocal Influences Between Loneliness and Self-Centeredness: A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis in a Population-Based Sample of African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian Adults.

Abstract in brief

• The study analyzes how loneliness and self-centeredness influence each other over time in a diverse group of middle-aged and older adults, finding that loneliness can increase self-centeredness in future years and vice versa.
• The research uses data collected over 10 years, showing that loneliness tends to lead to greater self-focus (self-centeredness) beyond other factors like mood or depression, and that self-centeredness can also predict later loneliness.
• These findings suggest a cyclical relationship where loneliness and self-centeredness can reinforce each other, which has important implications for understanding and addressing loneliness in adults.]