Role Identity, Loneliness, and Bereavement During the Pandemic in Japan: A Cross‐Sectional Study

The COVID‐19 pandemic significantly restricted social activities, prompting a re‐examination of community dynamics. In Japan, where families are central, the absence of a spouse increases susceptibility to loneliness and isolation. The loss of a spouse, especially during the pandemic, has heightened these issues among middle‐aged and older individuals. Limited quantitative studies on pandemic‐related bereavement in Japan underscore the need to understand the associated risks of loneliness and social isolation. This study aimed to examine the relationships between role identity as a member of the local community, loneliness, and social support among middle‐aged and older adults. This study also examined whether there were differences in the relationships between those who had experienced bereavement and those who had not.