Existential Loneliness Research Articles

Canadian perspectives on loneliness; digital communication as meaningful connection

This perspective piece considers loneliness and its relationship to communication, connection, and technology by reviewing the origins and lessons from the field. It begins with a search for an operational definition, then examines the differences between experiential (situational/isolation-based) and existential (continuous, non-situational) loneliness. Technology is addressed as both a hindrance and a tool for alleviating loneliness with the example of companion robots as an emerging technology for loneliness mitigation. Cultural differences in experiences of loneliness, specifically as a public health issue, are in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Concepts of social and emotional loneliness, individualism and collectivism, socioeconomic status, vulnerability, and lived experience are explored and provide an emphasis on ‘meaningful connection’ in the study of loneliness.

The brief scale of existential loneliness: scale development and psychometric evaluation

AbstractLoneliness is a common and distressing experience which has an existential dimension. Existential loneliness is understudied and a brief, valid measure which is grounded in experiences of the phenomenon and captures its distressing nature is needed. This study therefore developed the Brief Scale of Existential Loneliness. Scale items were developed based on a literature review and qualitative inquiry. Potential items were reviewed by academic experts, experts by experience, and potential participants for relevance and clarity. Scale structure was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis with 714 participants (17–84 years old, M = 42.25, SD = 20.22) and reliability and validity were investigated. Tests of dimensionality revealed a 6-item unidimensional scale. The scale possesses high internal consistency and construct validity. Consistent with predictions, scale scores are negatively correlated with meaning in life and positively correlated with loneliness (broadly defined), poor mental health, emptiness, and related constructs. The Brief Scale of Existential Loneliness is a short, valid, and reliable measure of existential loneliness which may be usefully employed alongside measures of other loneliness dimensions.

Writing connections as a source of significance: group poetry therapy among patients with advanced cancer

ABSTRACT The need for psychosocial support in cancer treatment, especially in the palliative care phase, has been identified in a nationwide population-based study, published in BMC palliative care (Wang et al., 2016). This study discusses the use of group poetry therapy among patients with advanced cancer to address their psychosocial and emotional needs. A group of seven patients with advanced cancer used poetry therapeutic methods to examine the emotions provoked by a serious illness. The integrative poetry therapy method employed in this research aimed to reduce emotional loneliness, strengthen patient-experienced connectedness to self, others, and nature, and make these connections visible through writing and narration. This qualitative analysis examines the themes raised in the patients’ texts from a connectivity-building viewpoint. Nature-themed metaphor and mindfulness work helped patients verbalize connectedness with others, nature, themselves, and their own individual resources and vulnerabilities. The group dealt with both constructive and destructive emotions. Emotions that strengthened and maintained connections included love, hope, and gratitude. These emotions were perceived as supportive and cherishable. Emotional writing provided a controlled and safe means to connect with destructive emotions, such as existential loneliness and abandonment.

Adolescents’ Experiences of Existential Loneliness Regarding Receiving and Providing Support

Among adolescents, loneliness is common. One kind of loneliness, existential loneliness, is understood as a painful part of the human condition. During adolescence, existential loneliness has been shown to be challenging to navigate independently. Therefore, this study aimed to explore Swedish adolescents’ experiences of existential loneliness regarding receiving and providing support. This study had an exploratory qualitative design based on focus group discussions (n = 9) comprising 30 Swedish adolescents (median age 18). The data was analysed inductively using thematic analysis. The adolescents’ experiences of existential loneliness regarding receiving and providing support were represented in four themes: Wanting to face existential loneliness alone, but seeking relief and support when needed; Wanting to share the experiences, but not knowing how or being afraid to bare the vulnerability; Wanting to share the experiences, but nobody is there; Supporting friends by trying to be there, but feeling insecure. In conclusion, knowledge of existential loneliness and a sensitivity to adolescents’ personal needs is crucial. Supporting and being there for adolescents may increase their ability to encounter ̶ their own or others’ ̶ experiences of existential loneliness, which could be promotive for their well-being and personal growth.

Voices Unheard: A Reflective Lifeworld Research Study of Older Arabic-Speaking Female Migrants and Their Experience of Existential Loneliness.

Existential loneliness (EL) is an unavoidable, deeper sense of loneliness. EL has been described as disconnection from life and the universe, experienced even in the presence of family and friends. Meaninglessness, loss of health and significant others seem to trigger older persons EL. Older Arabic-speaking women are a large migrant group in Sweden and there is a lack in knowledge about their experience of EL. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the phenomenon of EL as experienced by older Arabic-speaking female migrants. This study was based on a phenomenological approach known as reflective lifeworld research (RLR). Ten older migrated Arabic-speaking women were included in the study. Lifeworld interviews were conducted to collect data. The data were analysed in accordance with the phenomenological RLR principles of openness, flexibility and bridling. This study shows that EL is experienced when there is a lack of attachment to place and people. EL is experienced more distinctively in the beginning of the migration process. It was difficult sharing feelings of EL with anyone. Feelings of meaninglessness occurred when entering a new lifeworld and triggered EL. EL was however attenuated when being able to practise their religion. Lack of attachment to place and people as well as feelings of meaninglessness brought existential loneliness to the fore for the older Arabic-speaking female migrants. There was a collision of lifeworlds not at least by the fact moving as a Muslim woman to one of the most secular countries in the world. Practising their religion attenuated their EL. To promote better health for this group of women, it is of importance to be aware of EL and its mode of expression. It is crucial to let the voice of older Arabic-speaking female migrants be heard and to be aware of their experience of EL and its mode of expression in order to promote better health. Further, educational training for nursing professionals and nursing students needs to be provided to develop skills how to be aware of and address EL.

Can We Steer Nursing Home Residents Away from Loneliness? A Qualitative Study of Cycling without Age.

Loneliness among nursing home residents is an increasing public health issue and consists of a combination of social, emotional, and existential loneliness. Cycling Without Age (CWA) involves taking nursing home residents on trishaw rides pedaled by trained volunteer 'pilots'. This study aims to explore nursing home residents' lived experiences of CWA and whether participation in CWA can mitigate experiences of loneliness. A qualitative phenomenological design was used. We conducted three observations and eight interviews: semi-structured interviews (n = 5) and informal interviews (n = 3) with passengers in CWA. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were developed: 1. creating meaningful communities (related to the social mechanism connected to participating in CWA), 2. breaking the monotony of everyday life (related to how the passengers experience CWA as a meaningful activity), and 3. reconnecting to oneself (related to the meaningful experience the passengers have when they are connected to their local communities and reminiscence). Taking part in CWA may mitigate loneliness, as passengers perceive it as being meaningful. These results strengthen the notion that participating in meaningful activities hold the potential to mitigate feelings of loneliness among nursing home residents.

Existential loneliness and meaning-in-life in the lived experience of nursing home residents

Existential loneliness and meaning-in-life in the lived experience of nursing home residents

Trapped and lost in transition - existential loneliness during adolescence described in retrospect by Swedish university students

ABSTRACT Experiences of loneliness are common during adolescence and previous research has shown these experiences to be related to physical and mental ill-being. However, there is limited knowledge of one kind of loneliness during adolescence – existential loneliness – which can challenge the possibilities of offering adequate support. Narrations of experiences in retrospect may lead to a deepened understanding of a phenomenon. Therefore, this study aims to describe the phenomenon of existential loneliness during adolescence through Swedish university students’ retrospective written narratives (n = 67). The study has a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach, and the data were analysed inductively. The findings show that existential loneliness during adolescence means feeling empty and lost while painfully trapped in an alienating borderland in the search for belonging, sense of self, and meaning. This knowledge can be used as a basis for the development of interventions aiming at supporting adolescents’ well-being.

The problem of loneliness and coping with stress in the context of life situations experienced by war refugees (based on the research conducted in Rivne, Ukraine)

The article presents the findings of a thorough investigation of the problem of loneliness and coping with stress in the context of life situations experienced by war refugees, based on an empirical study of 304 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the city of Rivne. The study has shown that IDPs are currently the most vulnerable category of the population due to the following factors: these people have suffered a deterioration of their life quality in terms of the financial and social status which they enjoyed before displacement; they are emotionally unstable and psychologically exhausted as a result of the traumatic war-related events they experienced. Stress, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty have become typical reactions characteristic of displaced persons of any age. The psycho-emotional state of war refugees causes a feeling of alienation, severe stress and loneliness — phenomena that are the result of a number of factors associated with war as one of the most serious crisis situations. As part of the Science for Society II program, the Minister of Education and Science of Poland launched the Faces of Stress and Loneliness in the Context of Military Migration project (November 2023 – March 2024), which envisages conducting a comparative study with the participation of groups of refugees currently living in the cities of Legnica and Krakow (Poland), Drohobych and Rivne (Ukraine). The purpose of the study is to gain an insight into the feeling of loneliness experienced by refugees and internally displaced persons and the coping strategies they use, to determine the level of awareness of global loneliness and its three aspects (emotional, social, existential), to determine the characteristic features of coping strategies used by the respondents in various stressful situations, as well as their long-term and far-reaching social consequences for the further psychosocial functioning of a person in various areas of life. The objectives of the project include determining the possibility of coping with stress by refugees in order to adapt to new circumstances and to continue living an active life under the conditions of war and in the period of transition to peace. A theoretical analysis has been conducted of the phenomenon of loneliness and coping strategies as defined and described in the humanities; the methodology of the research has been substantiated, and the characteristic features of the respondents have been analysed. Based on a statistical analysis of possible loneliness factors and responses to stress, the relationship between socio-demographic and socio-economic variables and stress coping styles has been examined; the link between the feeling of loneliness and stress coping styles has been studied; the hypotheses that the existential face will be predominant among the other faces of loneliness and that war refugees are characterized by differentiated stress-coping styles have been verified. It has been proven that the existential loneliness rate is significantly higher than that of social and emotional loneliness, that is, the dominant face of loneliness is the existential one. As regards the positive statistically significant correlation, it has been found primarily between active and productive/semi-productive coping strategies: the intensity of the task-oriented style differs significantly from that of the emotion-focused and the avoidance-oriented styles. The research data show that the task-oriented style prevails among refugees. The obtained findings necessitated the development of a loneliness and stress coping training program, consisting of 10 sessions, and its implementation in working with war refugees in order to teach them constructive strategies and techniques for coping with stress and the feeling of loneliness under the conditions of reintegration.

Dimensions of Workplace Loneliness: A Review Study

Human beings are social animals, so they need affiliations or social relationships. If these needs are not fulfilled, they feel lonely. According to a study, a person can feel lonely at any time during the life period, whether it's childhood, adulthood, or old age. A review of the literature suggests that loneliness in the workplace has received less attention from researchers and practitioners. So, there is a need to study loneliness in today’s turbulent work environments. This study aims to provide a brief review of the concept of workplace loneliness and its dimensions. Workplace loneliness is a feeling when employees do not feel satisfied with their social contacts at their workplace. The results of the review reveal that workplace loneliness: is a multi-dimensional construct comprising of four dimensions namely: emotional, social, interpersonal, and existential loneliness.

A gradual separation from the world: commentary on a qualitative exploration of existential loneliness in old age.

Loneliness is a prevalent and significant issue. It has been identified as a particularly important physical and mental health risk for older people. This article critically explores and discusses a recent study that sought to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of existential loneliness in a large sample of older people living in retirement community contexts. The data pointed to complex, multilayered challenges, often brought about by ageing, that give rise to unique experiences of existential loneliness for many older people. For clinical practitioners, understanding how older people experience existential loneliness is essential if we are to develop support mechanisms that compassionately and empathically respond to them.

“It’s a feeling of complete disconnection”: experiences of existential loneliness from youth to older adulthood

BackgroundExistential loneliness is a feeling which stems from a sense of fundamental separation from others and the world. Although commonly mentioned in the loneliness literature, there is relatively little empirical work on this construct, and existing work tends to focus on older and seriously ill individuals. The present study aimed to understand how people experience existential loneliness without specific constraints on precipitating factors like illness or age.MethodsA qualitative online survey collected data from 225 adults aged 16 to 72 years old. Participants were asked to write about their experiences of existential loneliness and how these experiences compared to non-existential loneliness. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsOf 225 participants, 51% knew the meaning of “existential loneliness” upon accessing the survey and in total, 83% had experienced existential loneliness. 93% of these participants had also experienced loneliness that was not existential in nature. 175 participants provided qualitative data regarding their experiences of existential loneliness, from which four themes were identified: Existential loneliness is (1) A deeper form of loneliness, and (2) A feeling of deep disconnection, in which (3) Cognitive evaluations and negative emotions are central elements, and (4) Stress and mental health issues are perceived as relevant factors.ConclusionsExistential loneliness is a deeply rooted and impactful form of loneliness which involves feelings of profound separateness. This aspect of loneliness is deserving of further attention. Future research directions are suggested.

Development and Validation of a New Measurement Scale for Existential Loneliness.

This article deals with the development and initial validation of the Existential Loneliness Scale (ELS). An initial pool of 40 items, generated based on literature review, qualitative studies, and previously developed scales, was evaluated by the experts' judgment, so 30 items were retained and then administered to an Iranian sample of 433 youth and adult participants aged 20 to 85 years. Participants also completed other measures relevant for construct validity: Existential Loneliness Questionnaire (ELQ), De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS-6), Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (EAQ), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Exploratory factor analysis and parallel analysis showed strong evidence of unidimensionality. This result was also supported by confirmatory factor analysis test. Finally, 19 items were kept, which were free from DIF by gender and by marital status. The scale had high internal consistency (α = .95 and ω = .95) and adequate test-retest reliability with a 1-month interval (r = .74). Examination of the ELS' correlation with criterion measures indicated that the scale has good concurrent, discriminant, and convergent validity. Findings revealed the ELS as a reliable, valid, and suitable instrument to measure existential loneliness in the Iranian adult population.

Mapping Existential Loneliness: A Scoping Review on Existential Loneliness/Isolation Conceptualizations and Operationalizations

In the last decade, there has been a renewed interdisciplinary interest in the study of existential loneliness (EL) or existential isolation (EI). However, to date, there is still no consensus in the literature on what exactly EL/EI is and how should be measured, resulting in a wide variety of definitions and operationalizations of the experience. Therefore, this scoping review provides an overview of the available terminology, definitions, and operationalizations of EL/EI. As part of the review corpus, a total of 121 reports out of 12 databases were included. In the text, first, an examination of the terms and conceptualizations commonly used to discuss EL/EI is provided. Second, key components of the available definitions in the literature are listed. Third, most common operationalizations of EL/EI are described. Taking this into account, this scoping review sheds light on how the variety of conceptualizations of EL/EI leads to significant differences in the operationalization of the experience, fostering the development of academic niches and the fragmentation of EL/EI scientific knowledge. Thus, this review is an attempt to map commonalities in the EL/EI literature that may enable the reader to understand what exactly it means to explore the existential dimension of loneliness.

Existential meaninglessness as a predictor of suicidal ideation and loneliness during COVID-19

Previous research revealed that decreased meaning in life significantly interprets suicide ideation and loneliness. However, given that existential meaninglessness has been conceptualized as a tripartite model, it remains unclear the relationship between existential meaninglessness and suicidal ideation and loneliness, and whether the three facets of existential meaninglessness have different explanatory effects on suicidal ideation and loneliness. To address these issues, the present study recruited 1188 Chinese college students aged 17–28 years, who completed measures of existential meaninglessness, suicide ideation, and loneliness. Results showed that: (1) existential meaninglessness and its three facets are significantly and positively associated with suicidal ideation and loneliness, (2) the explanatory effects of facets of existential meaninglessness on suicidal ideation and loneliness are different, and (3) both concern and anxiety dimension, the insignificance facet of existential meaninglessness accounted for additional significant variance above and beyond the other facets of existential meaninglessness in suicidal ideation but not in loneliness. These findings suggest that it is important to examine the relationship between meaninglessness and suicidal ideation and loneliness from a multifaceted construct, lending support to the tripartite model of existential meaninglessness, and providing recommendations for relevant intervention practices.

Self-bibliotherapy: writing and identity consolidation processes in “Emily of New Moon” by Lucy Maud Montgomery

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the role of personal writing in processes involving writing, processing loss and grief, and identity consolidation, employed in shaping the character of Emily Starr in the book “Emily of New Moon” by Lucy Maud Montgomery, well known for her series “Anne of Green Gables” and for the character of Anne Shirley. Emily, who is dealing with orphanhood following the childhood loss of both parents in a short span of time, uses writing to vent her feelings when in distress and as a way of maintaining contact with her father who died, by writing to him. Later on, the possibility of renewing her emotional connection with her mother through an encounter with the room where she grew up and by writing to her, removes Emily from her state of existential loneliness and brings her closer to her true self, manifested in the creative and spontaneous elements within her.

The Psychological World of Highly Gifted Young Adults: a Follow-up Study

AbstractIn this exploratory qualitative case study, in-depth interviews were held with seven highly gifted young adults (27–28 years). Thematic analyses of the interviews revealed salient constellations of meaning: an “internal motor”—a metaphor for an internal strength, a strong drive to grow, learn and develop, driven by their curiosity, a lack of goodness of fit (for the school years up, until the college years), feeling “not okay to be me”, existential loneliness, stress due to multi-potentiality, perfectionism, and spiritual needs (e.g., freedom to choose their own path). Based on the answers of the participants, greater attention and support seem to be needed for the holistic development of (highly) gifted students throughout their school careers. The findings suggest that attention should be paid to stimulating their cognitive development as well as their social, emotional, and spiritual development.

In the circle of loneliness and addiction – based on an example of alcoholism

Alcoholism is a chronic, incurable disease. Its essence is the psychophysical dependenceon the psychoactive substance constituted by alcohol. This article discusses the problemof loneliness experienced by young adults diagnosed with alcoholism. The aim of thestudy was to estimate the levels of global loneliness as well as emotional, psychologicaland existential loneliness in a group of young adults struggling with alcohol dependence,and the subject of the study was to carry out an analysis of the phenomenonof loneliness in a group of young adults (men and women) who are addicted to alcohol.

Existential Loneliness Among Older People from the Perspective of Health Care Professionals: A European Multicenter Study.

Health care professionals (HCPs) encounter different forms of loneliness in their work. It is essential that they have the courage, skills, and tools to deal with loneliness, in particular with existential loneliness (EL) which relates to meaning in life and the fundamentals of living and dying. The aim of this study was to investigate HCPs' views on loneliness among older people and their understanding, perception, and professional experience of EL in older people. In all, 139 HCPs from five European countries participated in audio-recorded focus group and individual interviews. The transcribed materials were locally analyzed using a predefined template. The participating countries' results were then translated, merged, and inductively analyzed using conventional content analysis. Participants described different forms of loneliness - a negative form that is unwanted and causes suffering, and a positive form where solitude is desired and sought. The results showed that the HCPs' knowledge and understanding of EL varied. The HCPs mainly related EL to different types of loss, eg loss of autonomy, independence, hope, and faith, and to concern alienation, guilt, regret and remorse, and concerns about the future. The HCPs expressed a need to improve their sensitivity and self-confidence to engage in existential conversations. They also stated the need to increase their knowledge and understanding of aging, death, and dying. Based on these results, a training program aimed to increase knowledge and understanding of older people's situation has been developed. The program includes practical training in conversations about emotional and existential aspects, based on recurrent reflections on the topics presented. The program is available at: www.aloneproject.eu.

“Loneliness is a monotonous thing”: descriptive qualitative research on the loneliness of caring relatives

BackgroundThe phenomenon of loneliness is increasing worldwide. Caring relatives (CRs) are at high risk of suffering from loneliness. Although some studies have already investigated the issue of loneliness among CRs, there is a lack of evidence to help understand the experience of loneliness in depth. The aim of this study is to record and analyse the experience of loneliness among CRs of chronically ill people. Specifically, the aim is to develop a conceptual model based on the concepts of social, emotional, and existential loneliness.MethodologyA qualitative-descriptive research design with narrative semistructured interviews was chosen. Thirteen CRs—three daughters, six wives and four husbands—participated in the study. The participants were an average of 62.5 years old. The interviews took place from September 2020 to January 2021 and lasted an average of 54 min. The data were analysed inductively using coding. The analysis was carried out in the following three coding phases: initial open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The central phenomenon was abductively generated from the main categories.ResultsA chronic illness gradually changes the participants’ normal lives over time. A feeling of social loneliness is experienced, as their quality of social contacts no longer meets their needs. Thoughts about the future and the question of why are omnipresent can create a feeling of existential loneliness. Lack of communication in the partnership or in the family relationship, the changed personality of the ill person as well as the resulting role shift are stressful. Moments of closeness and tenderness become rare, and a change in togetherness takes place. In such moments, there is a strong feeling of emotional loneliness. Personal needs rapidly fade into the background. One’s own life comes to a standstill. Accordingly, loneliness is perceived by the participants to be a stagnant life and is experienced as monotonous and painful. Feelings such as helplessness, powerlessness, frustration, anger, and sadness accompany this loneliness.ConclusionThe study results show that the feeling of loneliness is present and experienced in a similar way by CRs, regardless of age and relationship to an ill person and that a need for action must derive from this. With the conceptual model, it is possible to offer versatile starting points for nursing practice, such as sensitization, to foster further research into the topic.