Role of Personality and Social Networks in Mattering: A Study among Old Age Adults in Kerala

Abstract

Mental health in the elderly is increasingly becoming a critical concern, often linked to loneliness, isolation, and a diminished sense of purpose. One of the key aspects influencing mental well-being is “mattering,” which refers to an individual’s perception of being valued and significant to others. In old age adults, the feeling of mattering is closely tied to their personality traits and the strength of their social networks. How they are treated within their families and communities can significantly impact their sense of self-worth. Social support systems play a vital role in mitigating feelings of insignificance and fostering a sense of belonging. This study investigates the role of personality traits and social networks in shaping the perception of mattering among old age adults in Kerala. Specifically, it explores how demographic factors such as gender, socio-economic status, and occupation influence their sense of mattering. The research employs quantitative methods and surveys 100 individuals aged 60 and above through random sampling. The Big Five Personality Inventory (John, Donahue, & Kentle, 1991), Lubben Social Network Scale (Lubben, 1980), and Mattering Scale (Elliott, Kao, & Grant, 2004) are utilized to measure personality, social networking, and mattering, respectively. Data analysis is conducted using SPSS and includes one-way ANOVA, three-way ANOVA, post hoc tests, Pearson correlation, and t-tests. The results indicate that age and gender have no significant impact on personality traits, mattering and social networks. However, social networks positively correlate with mattering and certain personality traits, including extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness. Neuroticism, in contrast, hinders the development of social networks. Socio-economic status emerges as a key factor. While personality traits themselves do not directly influence mattering or social networks, the study emphasizes the importance of social connections and socio-economic status in enhancing the well-being of older adults.