Psychology15 papers
Measuring the unmeasurable: Psychometric tools for Existential Concerns
Key psychometric instruments for measuring existential concerns: meaning in life, existential isolation, and existential anxiety.
ES
Evgeny Smirnov
All Reviews
PsychologyNiche
intermediate
The Associations Among Existential Isolation, Shared Reality, and Veterans’ Health
Karla Fuentes Maldonado (2025)
- Published
- Jan 1, 2025
- DOI
- 10.18776/tcu/mcnair/2024-2025/67402
At a GlanceAI
Shared reality in close relationships predicts less existential isolation and better veteran mental and physical health, beyond loneliness.
SummaryAI
The study highlights existential isolation—feeling fundamentally misunderstood—as a distinct risk factor for veterans’ distress and poorer health. In a survey of 464 U.S. veterans, greater generalized shared reality in close relationships was linked to lower existential isolation and better outcomes, including less depression and better physical well-being. Mediation analyses suggest existential isolation partly explains how shared reality relates to depression and physical health even when accounting for loneliness. The findings point to shared-reality-building relationship and reintegration supports as promising intervention targets for veteran well-being.
Method SnapshotAI
Cross-sectional survey of U.S. veterans using self-report measures with mediation analyses controlling for loneliness.
BackgroundAI
Basic knowledge of existential isolation, loneliness/social connection, and common mental health outcomes in veterans (PTSD, depression, anxiety).