Retraction Announcement: Ren Y, et al. The Relationship Between Personality Characteristics and Social Isolation Among Elderly Individuals

Overview

The authors of the study 'Personality Traits and Social Isolation in Older Adults' have requested its retraction due to improper data acquisition. They acknowledged not following the authorized application and approval process for accessing the NHATS dataset.

Background

Social isolation among older adults is a significant public health issue, affecting approximately 1 in 4 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older in the United States.

Data Highlights

No numerical or trial data is presented in the retraction announcement.

Key Findings

• The study did not obtain the NHATS dataset through the authorized process.
• Raw data files were shared by a third party without verification of compliance with NHATS terms.
• The authors acknowledged their oversight regarding data access protocols.
• All coauthors agreed to the retraction request and committed to adhering to proper data access protocols in future research.
• The authors offered apologies to the NHATS data stewardship team and the research community.

Clinical Implications

Researchers must ensure compliance with data access protocols.

Conclusion

The retraction of this study highlights the importance of adhering to ethical standards in research data acquisition.

Related Resources & Content

1. Ren Y, et al., JAMA Network Open, 2026 -- Personality Traits and Social Isolation in Older Adults
2. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Correction: Reevaluating hikikomori and challenging loneliness assumptions in Japan: a cross-sectional analysis of a nationwide internet sample
3. American Journal of Epidemiology — Impact of Social Interaction and Feelings of Loneliness on Frailty Progression and Reversal: Longitudinal Analysis of Two Cohorts from the UK and USA
4. DIGITAL HEALTH — Beyond the individual: A dyadic longitudinal study of internet use, social participation, and depressive symptoms in older couples
5. WHA78/2025/REC/1
6. Frontiers | The effectiveness of social support interventions on loneliness among older people in the community: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
7. Conditions of Use for NHATS and NSOC Data | NHATS