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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Loneliness and Personality: Noise- and Bias-Free True Correlations Between Loneliness and the Big Five Personality Domains.

OBJECTIVE: While loneliness is intertwined with many mental and physical health problems, its origins are not yet well understood. We sought to better understand its link to personality in a large national cohort. METHODS: Combining self- and informant ratings in multiple samples, we conducted the largest study to date to examine loneliness' true correlations (rtrues) with the Big Five personality traits, free of single-method biases and transient and random errors. RESULTS: Across three samples (Estonian-speaking, N = 20,893; Russian-speaking, N = 762; English-speaking, N = 599), we found a strong relationship between loneliness and Neuroticism (rtrue = 0.60-0.70). Loneliness also had robust but much weaker associations with Extraversion (rtrue = -0.20 to -0.30), and only weak associations (rtrue = 0.10 to -0.20) with Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness. Collectively, the Big Five accounted for over 50% of loneliness variance. In a subsample, the associations were only slightly smaller longitudinally over approximately 10 years. CONCLUSION: Overall, feeling lonely is more closely related to Neuroticism than previously understood, and the association endures over time.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Associations of Trajectories of Loneliness and Neighborhood Stability with Depression, Alcohol and Substance Use, and Quality of Life among Women Living with HIV.

Social relationships are an important social determinant of health. Loneliness, the perceived gap between one's actual and desired relationships, has emerged as an important mechanism through which social relationships impact health. Like other intrapersonal-level factors associated with health, loneliness is influenced by broader social and structural factors, including characteristics of one's neighborhood social environment. Although neighborhood-level protective and risk factors for loneliness and for mental health have been identified, prior studies have often focused solely on self-reported perceptions of the neighborhood environment. Further, few have considered aspects of the neighborhood social environments, such as neighborhood stability (i.e., stability of the community with long or short-term residents), independent of neighborhood socioeconomic conditions. In the current analysis, we explored longitudinal patterns of loneliness in conjunction with neighborhood stability among women with HIV (WWH) enrolled into the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS) from 2014-2019 (N 2019=1,394) to examine whether trajectories of loneliness and neighborhood stability were associated with depressive symptoms, non-prescription substance use, past-year cannabis use, number of alcoholic drinks per week, and several domains of quality of life. Loneliness at baseline (Betas = 0.24 - 0.54) and changes in loneliness over time (Betas = 0.11 - 0.26) were associated with each outcome, except for the association between changes in loneliness over time and drinks per week (Beta=0.13, p = 4.14x10-2), which did not persist after correcting for multiple comparisons. Neighborhood stability at baseline was associated with past year cannabis use (Beta=0.26, p = 1.00x10-2), depressive symptoms (Beta=-0.12, p = 1.54x10-3), and overall self-reported health (Beta=-0.08, p = 2.05x10-2). Changes in neighborhood stability across time were not associated with any outcome. Neighborhood stability moderated the association between changes in loneliness and general health perceptions. Our results demonstrate both overall loneliness and changes in loneliness over time have implications for current mental health in WWH, while changes in neighborhood stability did not.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2026

Large-Scale Neuroimaging and Genetic Analyses of the Human Thalamus in Loneliness.

BACKGROUND: Although loneliness is prevalent and significantly impacts society globally, its neural and genetic bases remain poorly understood. The thalamus, which receives sensory information from the environment, may have a more significant role in social interactions than previously recognized. Here, we integrate neuroimaging and genetic approaches to characterize structural differences within the thalamus associated with loneliness. METHODS: We obtained thalamic nuclei volumes on brain scans from 45,834 individuals (age range: 45-82 years) in the UK Biobank and grouped them into 6 anatomical groups. We investigated effects of loneliness and social isolation using self-reported data. Then, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis on the genetic overlap between thalamic volumes and loneliness. RESULTS: The volumes of the whole thalamus and its medial, lateral, and posterior nuclei are significantly reduced in individuals with loneliness compared with those who do not feel lonely. Loneliness with frequent social contact is associated with smaller volumes, whereas social isolation without loneliness shows no such reduction in thalamus volumes. Leveraging data from GWASs on thalamic volumes (n = 30,114) and loneliness (n = 370,342) in the UK Biobank, we identified shared loci between thalamus structure and loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the emerging view that the thalamus plays important roles in social interactions and in the experience of loneliness.

Genetic architecture↗
PubMed2025

A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies of Depression and Loneliness in Black Women with Hypertension in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension disproportionately affects Black women with subsequent complications that can extend beyond physical health. Notably, there is a significant relationship between hypertension, depression, and loneliness, with hypertensive Black women more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression. Since loneliness and social isolation are predictors of depression, recognizing and addressing these interconnected health concerns could improve patient outcomes and quality of life. This systematic review presents a synthesis of findings on depression screening practices, depression symptoms, and loneliness in quantitative studies of Black women with hypertension in the United States. METHODS: Using the EbscoHost platform, a comprehensive literature search for studies measuring depression and loneliness in Black women with hypertension was conducted. The following databases were selected: Medline Complete, CINAHL Complete, APA PsychArticles, and PsychINFO. RESULTS: Twenty-three articles were included; 16 focused on depression, and these studies highlighted a significant burden of depression in this demographic compared to their counterparts. Five studies reported loneliness and its relation to depression and hypertension. Loneliness and social isolation, as independent risk factors, exacerbated symptoms of depression and contributed to the onset and progression of hypertension. Two prior reviews corroborated these findings. Studies have emphasized the role of trust in clinical interactions and the importance of appropriate therapeutic interventions. DISCUSSION: Black women with hypertension are at a heightened risk for symptoms of depression, compounded by feelings of loneliness. Loneliness and depression are linked to physiological stress, contributing to hypertension. These problems are underrecognized and undertreated across populations, and this lack of recognition and treatment contributes to health inequity.

Humans↗
PubMed1978

Notes on loneliness.

Loneliness in this article is discussed in order to make it more discernable. Psychoanalytic literature has been surveyed relevant to loneliness and related issues. Noted is the importance of individualism in America, citing Thoreau as a model for individualism. Edgar Allan Poe's story "The Man of the Crowd" is discussed to illustrate desperate loneliness. The topic of loneliness connects to issues of empathy, loneliness in treatment, the countertransference response to loneliness, the study of self experience, and the problems created by the use of the term identity. The historical perspective indicates how we are time bound to the vocabulary, theories, ideas and myths of our era, to which, in our loneliness, we cling.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2026

Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Asian Immigrants Through the Lens of Sense of Coherence: Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies.

AIM: To explore the meaning older Asian immigrants attribute to social isolation and loneliness, their management strategies, utilisation of resources and impact on health. DESIGN: Systematic review of qualitative studies. DATA SOURCES: AgeLine, CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched in September 2024. METHODS: Inclusion criteria: participants were Asian immigrants to Western countries aged 65 and over, community-living and experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence was used to frame the thematic analysis. RESULTS: Ten papers were included and analysed deductively using elements of the sense of coherence framework: • Comprehensibility: Social isolation and loneliness are viewed as multifaceted, influenced by cultural and environmental dislocation, language barriers, intergenerational conflicts, deteriorating health and mobility, and socioeconomic challenges. • Manageability: included engaging in culture-specific community programs, family and ethnic community support and living within ethnic enclaves mitigated isolation and loneliness. • Meaningfulness: Strong family ties, active community involvement, spirituality, volunteerism, and cultural practices fostered resilience. However, accepting the changing values of their new world, living independently, and carving their own niche provided meaning to their transformed reality. CONCLUSION: Older Asian immigrants experience social isolation and loneliness through a cultural lens, shaped by migration experiences, language barriers, and shifting family dynamics. Cultural roots, family ties, spirituality, community, acceptance, and independence enhance sense of coherence. Recognising the dynamic interplay between cultural identity, resilience, and adaptation is key to understanding their lived experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE: This review informs culturally sensitive interventions, guiding healthcare, community services, and policy to support social participation, mitigate loneliness through ethno-specific activities, and improve the quality of life for aging immigrant populations in Western countries. REPORTING METHOD: The review was undertaken and reported using the PRISMA guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: None. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42023425752).

Humans↗
PubMed1978

Developing a measure of loneliness.

Research on loneliness has been hindered by the lack of a simple and reliable assessment technique. The development of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, a short, 20-item general measure of loneliness is reported. The measure has high internal consistency (coefficient alpha = .96) and a test-retest correlation over a two-month period of .73. Concurrent and preliminary construct validity are indicated by correlations with self-reports of current loneliness and related emotional states, and by volunteering for a "loneliness clinic."

Female↗
PubMed2026

Interventions to Reduce Loneliness in Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review.

AIM: To summarize the current evidence on reducing loneliness among informal caregivers of people with dementia, such as family members or friends. DESIGN: A systematic review. METHODS: The methodological quality was evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the revised JBI critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Data were extracted as predefined and synthesized narratively. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist was used to report the intervention characteristics. DATA SOURCES: Six electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science Core Collection) were searched for studies published in peer-reviewed English journals from the inception of each database until 28 January 2024. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in this review, published between 2002 and 2023, with three being randomized controlled trials. All included interventions were psychosocial. Only one study reported significant improvements in loneliness. Five studies utilized remote and online interventions, such as social networking, psychotherapy, and online social support. Interventions varied in their impact on secondary outcomes, including stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and caregiver burden. Four studies demonstrated a positive effect on caregiver stress levels. One pilot trial reported a positive impact on depressive symptoms, and another study noted potential improvements in anxiety. One pilot study reported an average improvement in caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: While the evidence is insufficient for conclusive statements, this systematic review suggests potential benefits of interventions to reduce loneliness and improve mental health among these caregivers. It highlights the promise of remote interventions in addressing loneliness among dementia caregivers. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: The findings suggest that tailored interventions, especially those delivered remotely, can enhance the support provided to caregivers, potentially improving their mental health and overall well-being. REPORTING METHOD: This systematic review adhered to the PRISMA statement. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Humans↗
PubMed1978

A concept of loneliness in the elderly.

The author's concept of loneliness is described, especially as it concerns the elderly. An attempt is made to develop an understanding of the word, with its implications for guidance in the nursing profession. The nurse's defenses against her own feelings of loneliness and depression can inhibit therapeutic interactions with lonely or depressed patients. Appropriate nursing action depends upon the knowledge, correlation and use of many other concepts such as those related to dynamics of behavior, personality structure and development, or problem solving. Practical recommendations for nursing intervention are outlined. Emphasized is the necessity for the nurse to understand the concept of loneliness so that she may render effective service.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A symbolic tree: loneliness is the root; delusions are the leaves.

This particular case involving the suggested nursing intervention was very successful and rewarding. It is very important, however, that therapists realize that these seven steps were acceptable in this particular case, but steps four-to-seven may be modified with each couple. However, the first three steps are more than likely essential to any effective intervention dealing with loneliness. Aso, the excerpts from this case happen to illustrate the highlights that were related to loneliness. The therapists recognized that there were other issues and concerns that also needed to be dealt with and which were, but the need for intimacy seemed to have top priority. Loneliness rooted in the symbolic tree cannot be dealt with by plucking the leaves; it must be dug out by the roots. Psychotherapy needs nursing psychotherapists who will contribute to this digging.

Delusions↗
PubMed1977

Loneliness: an interdisciplinary approach.

Psychological motivations, reasons why human nature is what it is, principles by which we may 'explain', understand, sympathize, or empathize with other human beings--and ourselves--what a variety of possible principles has been offered by philosophers and psychologists! All men seek happiness, announces Aristotle (Ethics). Just as all men delight in imitation (Poetics), and human beings universally take pleasure in knowing (Metaphysics), in that same sense it may be said that the arche of human conduct or action derives from the self-evident fact that all men desire to be happy. According to Hobbes, each human atom is motivated by self-interest, not to say selfishness, and every individual strives for his own 'good' through power over others. Bentham, on the other hand, regards man as under the sovereign twin masters of pleasure and pain, whose dominion extends over the entirety of human conduct. Freud retraces the path of our problematic symptoms to a fund of repressed sexual and libidinal energy, whose fettered strivings results in overt neuroses. Adler employs a Schopenhauerian and Nietzschean 'will to power' as a model for understanding a universal feeling of inferiority, whose ultimate origin is grounded in the inadequacy of the infant. And Jung cavalierly splits the human race into the extrovertish and the introvertish, the cosmopolitans and the islanders. What I have chosen as my concern, in the foregoing, is not a rough survey of conceptions of human nature--whether man is good, bad, or indifferent; a rational creature or essentially a sentient one; whether man's nature has ever been the same' or whether 'man makes himself', creatively. Rather, I am interested in what 'motivates' man, I am searching for a universal principle through which we may 'understand' why man does what he does, why man is what he is. Obviously, however, the commitment we make in regard to a theory of human motivation will itself necessarily be found to entail a corresponding view of human nature. Confronted with this impressive variety of interpretations, I don't know if I am able to offer a comparable general principle, but I shall try. In a word, that principle is loneliness. Thus, I wish to hold that once man has satisfied his more obviously physiological and biologic drives and comfortably secured the necessities of air, water, and food, he then strives to alleviate his desperate loneliness. It is not so much, then, a fact--correcting Jung, for instance--that we are to be dichotomized into extroverts and introverts, but rather that we all begin by aspiring toward human communion and affection and friendship but that, unfortunately, many of us fail; we who fail are the frustrated extroverts, the retreating introverts; if we cannot enjoy the company of others and command from them the recognition we (abnormally) feel for ourselves, well, then we shall cultivate our own company.

Culture↗
PubMed1979

Avoidance of Ontological Confrontation of Loneliness and some epidemilogical indices of social behavior and health.

A scale, Avoidance of the Ontological Confrontation of Loneliness, was developed to assist the psychometric recorded documentation of choice of avoidance versus confrontation strategy to the issue of loneliness. Analysis showed low scores (confronters) reported increased use of soft drugs and were absent from employment more often than medium or high scorers. Borderline statistically significant findings hint that high scorers (avoiders) lean toward less alcoholic beverage consumption while low scorers lean toward fewer automobile accidents and less use of medication than medium groupings. These results both advantages and disadvantages to strategies of awareness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

[Isolation, loneliness and suicidal ideas in the aged (author's transl)].

The relationship between various dimensions of social isolation, loneliness and suicidal ideas among a group of 406 respondents over 65 years of age were analyzed. The survey findings show that suicidal ideas emerge as a result of both, a loss of or a social denial to intimate and highly valued personal relationships. Generally, these suicidal ideas are connected to feelings of loneliness which are unrelated to the quantity of other social contacts. It seems to be of particular relevance whether the disengagement occurred voluntarily and whether the personal life style showed consistency of persistency resp. Based on these findings the fundamental problems of a social psychological approach to gerontology are discussed. These problems arise out of the more or less perfect correspondence between objective indicators of a social situation and its subjective correlates.

Aged↗
PubMed1978

Mental illness, loneliness and helplessness: a challenge for research and therapy.

The purpose of this article is: (1) To discuss the complex relationship between mental illness and the related factors of loneliness and helplessness, in a specific attempt to show why people with mental and/or emotional difficulties have a greater propensity for problems in these areas: (2) To challenge therapists, counselors, pastors, and community health professionals to become more holistic in their orientation towards their patients by giving special emphasis to interpersonal needs and personal responsibility over outcomes.

Adolescent↗