The current study tests the association between empty network satisfaction, internet use, and mental health among middle-aged and older adults. Additional aim is to examine the link between internet use and empty network satisfaction. The study draws on the data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. The study population includes adults aged 50 years and older who reported being satisfied with lack of confidants in personal network on Wave 8 (N = 1141) and Wave 9 (N = 1380) of the survey. The study is proposed to contribute to better understanding of mental health by examining the abovementioned links and testing them in both entire sample as well as in men and women separately.

Supervisor: Prof. Sharon Shiovitz Ezra