The Loneliness Epidemic: Understanding the Psychology of Social Isolation
This is for all the lonely people Thinkin’ that life has passed them by. - Lyrics by America
The Pervasiveness of Loneliness
Loneliness is a universal human emotion that has been studied extensively in psychology. It is a complex and multi-dimensional construct that can be defined as the subjective experience of social isolation, the feeling of being disconnected from others, or the perception of a lack of social support (Cacioppo & Patrick, 2008). While loneliness can be a normal part of the human experience, when it becomes chronic and pervasive it can have significant negative effects on physical and mental health.
The prevalence of loneliness has been increasing in recent years. According to a survey conducted by Cigna in 2020, 61% of American adults reported feeling lonely at least some of the time (Cigna, 2020). In addition, 35% of respondents reported feeling moderate to severe loneliness, indicating a significant and persistent sense of social isolation (Cigna, 2020).
Additional research has also highlighted the prevalence and impact of loneliness in the United States. For example, a study published in a prominent journal of Psychiatry found that 20% of Americans reported…
