The relationships between social network size, loneliness and personality in individuals living with a neurological condition: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND: People living with a neurological condition often report having smaller social networks and less frequent social contact, leading to greater loneliness and worse quality of life. This study explored the relationships between personality traits, social network size (SNS) and perceived loneliness in this population. METHODS: Sixty-eight individuals diagnosed with a neurological condition participated in this study. Perceived loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale - Version 3, SNS was evaluated by the Social Network Index and personality traits were examined using the NEO Factor Five Inventory. Path analysis was conducted to determine if loneliness was negatively associated with SNS and if personality traits mediated the relationship. RESULTS: Loneliness was positively correlated with neuroticism (r = 0.65), and negatively correlated with extraversion (r = -0.26), conscientiousness (r = -0.37) and SNS (r = -0.36). Neuroticism decreased with increased conscientiousness (r = -0.39), extraversion (r = -0.24) and SNS (r = -0.25). SNS was significantly positively associated with extraversion (b = 0.31 ± 0.11, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: A larger SNS was associated with decreased neuroticism and loneliness, and may be mediated by extraversion. Knowledge of this can help with the creation of targeted social interventions for individuals with neurological conditions.