Loneliness and mental health
Loneliness is associated with co-morbid mental health conditions. Continue scrolling to read key resources on the relationship between loneliness and mental health.
McClelland et al. (2020)
Loneliness as a predictor of suicidal ideation and behaviour: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Primary finding: Among 22 studies, loneliness was a significant predictor of both suicidal ideation and behaviour and there was evidence that depression acted as a mediator.
Calati et al. (2018)
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors and social isolation: A narrative review of the literature
Literature Review
Primary finding: Both the objective condition (e.g., living alone) and the subjective feeling of being alone (i.e., loneliness) were strongly associated with suicidal outcomes.
Erzen et al. (2018)
The effect of loneliness on depression: A meta-analysis
Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Primary finding: From 88 studies, the authors conclude that loneliness had a moderately significant effect on depression
Teo et al. (2013)
The role of social isolation in social anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Primary finding: Among 34 studies, 20 formal instruments and four other measures of social isolation, were included. Most formal instruments were utilized in single studies, whereas simple structural measures (e.g., living alone) were used most frequently. The pooled score was 38.1 on the Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction Questionnaire, 33.1 on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (avoidance subscale), and 21.1 on the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. The authors conclude that social isolation is common in social anxiety disorder but assessed by a heterogeneous mix of measures.
Lim et al. (2018)
Loneliness in psychosis: a systematic review
Systematic Review
Primary finding: The relationship between loneliness and psychosis remains poorly understood due to a lack of rigorous studies. Although having strong social relationships is crucial to facilitate recovery from serious mental illness, psychosocial interventions that specifically target loneliness in individuals with psychosis are lacking and sorely needed. Interventions targeting loneliness in those with psychosis will also need to account for additional barriers associated with psychosis (e.g., social skill deficits, impoverished social networks, and negative symptoms).
Vlachos et al. (2014)
Neurobiological Trajectories Involving Social Isolation in PTSD: A Systematic Review
Systematic Review
Primary finding: From 10 studies, the authors conclude that PTSD is affected by genetic predisposition and triggers a large neurocircuitry involving the amygdala, insula, hippocampus, anterior cingulate- and prefrontal-cortex, and affects the function of the neuroendocrine and immune systems. Social isolation seems to influence the predisposition, onset and outcome of PTSD in humans.
Mushtaq et al. (2014)
Relationship between loneliness, psychiatric disorders and physical health? A review on the psychological aspects of loneliness
Literature Review
Primary finding: Left untended, loneliness can have serious consequences for mental and physical health of people. Therefore it is important to intervene at the right time to prevent loneliness, so that physical and mental health of patients is maintained.
Chau et al. (2019)
Loneliness and the psychosis continuum: a meta-analysis on positive psychotic experiences and a meta-analysis on negative psychotic experiences
Literature Review
Primary finding: Two meta-analyses were included. A total of 30 studies were included in the first meta-analysis and 15 studies were included in the second meta-analysis. There was a medium association between loneliness and positive psychotic experiences (r = 0.302, p < 0.001). In particular, the association between loneliness and paranoia was robust (r = 0.448, p < 0.001). The second meta-analysis revealed a medium association between loneliness and negative psychotic experiences (r = 0.347, p < 0.001). The associations between loneliness and both positive and negative psychotic experiences were found to be smaller among clinical than non-clinical samples.
da Rocha et al. (2018)
Loneliness in Psychosis: A Meta-analytical Review
Literature Review
Primary finding: Thirteen studies were included, providing data from 15 647 participants. A moderate association between psychosis and loneliness was observed. Whether loneliness was assessed by a single-item or a more comprehensive measure had no moderating effect on the estimate.
Levine et al. (2012)
Loneliness and eating disorders
Literature Review
Primary finding: Negative interpersonal relationships, both real experiences and individuals' skewed perceptions, exacerbate eating disorders and feelings of loneliness. Characteristics that have been associated with loneliness clearly relate to eating disorders. Understanding this relationship is vital, so that we can appreciate our patients' struggles and work to target these intense emotions within the treatment setting. We need to be aware of the power of loneliness as it applies to individuals in general and specifically to those struggling with disordered eating.
Hare-Duke et al. (2019)
Conceptual framework for social connectedness in mental disorders: Systematic review and narrative synthesis
Systematic Review
Primary finding: The authors identify five dimensions og social connectedness in mental disorders: Closeness, Identity and common bond, Valued relationships, Involvement and Cared for and accepted (giving the acronym CIVIC).
Wang et al. (2018)
Associations between loneliness and perceived social support and outcomes of mental health problems: a systematic review
Systematic Review
Primary finding: The authors found substantial evidence from prospective studies that people with depression who perceive their social support as poorer have worse outcomes in terms of symptoms, recovery and social functioning. Loneliness has been investigated much less than perceived social support, but there is some evidence that greater loneliness predicts poorer depression outcome. There is also some preliminary evidence of associations between perceived social support and outcomes in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders.
Wang et al. (2017)
Social isolation in mental health: a conceptual and methodological review
Systematic Review
Primary finding: Social isolation and related concepts have been discussed increasingly in the field of mental health. Despite this, there is a lack of conceptual clarity and consistency in the definition and operationalisation of these terms. This review aimed to provide a clear framework for social isolation and related concepts, and to identify well-established measures in the field of mental health for each conceptual domain discussed. Five domains were identified: social network-quantity; social network-structure; social network-quality; appraisal of relationships-emotional; and appraisal of relationships-resources. Authors also identified well-developed measures suitable for assessing each of the five conceptual domains or covering multi-domains.