The mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between mindfulness and life satisfaction in older adults

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between mindfulness and life satisfaction in 310 older Peruvian adults. METHODS: The Mindful Awareness Attention Scale (MAAS-5), the UCLA-LS three-item scale (UCLA-LS-3), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were administered. A mediational structural equation model and sex invariance were tested using multigroup factor analysis. RESULTS: The mediational model showed a good fit (X²₍₆₂₎=121.899; CFI=.954, TLI=.942; RMSEA=.056; SRMR=.048). Mindfulness has an inverse relationship with loneliness (β=-.450, P=.000) and a direct relationship with life satisfaction (β=.372, P=.000). Similarly, loneliness has an inverse relationship with life satisfaction (β=-.409, P=.000). The indirect effect of mindfulness on life satisfaction through loneliness was β=-.184 (P=.000). Evidence of measurement invariance by sex was presented. CONCLUSION: Loneliness plays a mediating role in the relationship between mindfulness and life satisfaction in older adults.