A loneliness model of hypochondriasis among older adults: The mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty and anxious symptoms

Loneliness has been described as an epidemic and is associated with a number of adverse health and psychosocial outcomes. In this study, we proposed a loneliness of model of hypochondriasis among older adults in which loneliness triggers a maladaptive threat response in which there is greater self-focus, leading to hypochondriasis through greater intolerance of uncertainty and anxious symptoms. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 280) participated in an interview survey. Results found that loneliness was associated with higher hypochondriasis even after controlling for perceived health status and relationship status. Loneliness had a serial indirect effect on hypochondriasis through higher intolerance of uncertainty and anxious symptoms. With intolerance of uncertainty and anxious symptoms in the model, the relationship between loneliness and hypochondriasis was no longer significant, suggesting full mediation. The results support a loneliness model of hypochondriasis among older adults. Health care professionals working with older adults suffering from hypochondriacal concerns may wish to consider social factors such as loneliness.