Latent Profile Analysis of Childhood Trauma and Loneliness Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults and Their Association with Depressive Symptoms.

Background

Depression is a leading mental health concern among community dwelling older adults, with childhood trauma and current loneliness identified as critical risk factors. However, existing research has predominantly examined these variables in isolation, obscuring heterogeneity in their co-occurring patterns and differential depression risk across subgroups.

Objectives

To identify latent profiles based on co-occurrence patterns of childhood trauma and current loneliness and examine differences in depressive symptoms across profiles.

Methods

A cross-sectional study recruited 740 older adults from three communities. Childhood trauma, loneliness, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Latent profile analysis identified subgroups, and the Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars method examined differences in depressive symptoms across profiles.

Results

Three profiles were identified: "Low Trauma-Low Loneliness", "Low Trauma-High Loneliness", and "High Trauma-High Loneliness". The High Trauma-High Loneliness profile exhibited the highest depressive symptom. Community activity participation, chronic disease, empty-nest status, and marital status were significant predictors of profile membership.    .

Conclusions

Community-dwelling older adults demonstrate heterogeneous co-occurrence patterns of childhood trauma and current loneliness. Individuals in the High Trauma-High Loneliness profile warrant prioritized clinical attention and targeted community-based intervention. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Screening childhood trauma and loneliness jointly identifies the highest-risk subgroup, for whom trauma-informed care combined with community activity participation is preferable to loneliness-focused intervention alone.