Explaining the Link between Loneliness and Self-rated Health with Hedonic Regulation as a Mediator

Prior research has shown that loneliness is associated with poorer self-regulation and may diminish the capacity for hedonic regulation. This study was implemented to determine the role of hedonic regulation in mediating the association between loneliness and self-rated health. A population-based sample (N = 229) aged 50 to 68 years was selected with a multistage probability design from a multiethnic population living in Cook County, Illinois, United States of America. They completed a series of standard psychological assessments. The results indicate that the association between loneliness and self-rated health is mediated by hedonic regulation, net of socio-demographic variables (95% CI=-0.20 to -0.01). It is suggested that poor hedonic regulation constitutes a plausible pathway through which loneliness impacts health outcomes.