Loneliness in the Assyrian diaspora: the role of generational factors.

Résumé

BACKGROUND: Loneliness, a key factor in wellbeing, is under-researched within migrant communities. This study examines loneliness among the Assyrian-Australian diaspora, an ethnoreligious group with a prolonged history of persecution and role of generational differences.METHODS: An online survey of 210 Assyrian-Australian adults measured socio-demographic variables and loneliness using the UCLA Loneliness Scale.RESULTS: Findings demonstrated that approximately 65.7% of participants reported moderately high to high degrees of loneliness which was influenced by generation (higher rates of loneliness among second generation) and socio-demographic variables such as age (increased loneliness was noted in the younger participants from second generation and older participants from first generation) and poorer self-reported general health. Participants suggested addressing loneliness through nationalistic activities, mental health education, peer support, and social infrastructure.CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the importance of understanding the relationship between loneliness in specific Assyrian-Australian subgroups and provides directions to inform the delivery of targeted psychosocial interventions and future research within this community.