Examining the relationship between feeling of loneliness and locus of control with perceived age discrimination in elderly people

Considering the important role of various psychological factors that influence the perceived age discrimination, the present study investigated the relationship between the feeling of loneliness, locus of control and perceived age discrimination in the elderly. The research method was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population was all elderly people living in Tehran city. Districts 3, 11, and 18 were randomly selected among all districts of Tehran city and through voluntary sampling, 180 elderly people from these districts were selected and studied. Data were collected using a standard loneliness scale (Russell, Pilau and Cortona), locus of control scale (Rutter) and perceived age discrimination questionnaire (Banas). Pearson correlation and stepwise regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between the variables. Results indicated that perceived age discrimination had a positive significant relationship with the feeling of loneliness and external locus of control and a negative significant relationship with an internal locus of control. Results also indicated that feelings of loneliness, external locus of control and internal locus of control are significant predictors of perceived age discrimination, respectively. A feeling of loneliness and external locus of control predict more perceived age discrimination, and accordingly, psychologists and counselors are advised to consider the role of these variables in dealing with the elderly.