Perception Of Loneliness Research Articles

Interventions for reducing loneliness: An umbrella review of intervention studies.

Loneliness is a common phenomenon associated with several negative health outcomes. Current knowledge regarding interventions for reducing loneliness in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is conflicting. The aim of the present work is to provide an overview of interventions to reduce loneliness, using an umbrella review of previously published systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We searched major databases from database inception to 31 March 2020 for RCTs comparing active versus non-active interventions for reducing loneliness. For each intervention, random-effects summary effect size and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. For significant outcomes (p-value<0.05), the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) tool was used, grading the evidence from very low to high. From 211 studies initially evaluated, seven meta-analyses for seven different types of interventions were included (median number of RCTs: 8; median number of participants: 600). Three interventions were statistically significant for reducing loneliness, that is, meditation/mindfulness, social cognitive training and social support. When applying GRADE criteria, meditation/mindfulness (mean difference, MD=-6.03; 95% CI: -9.33 to -2.73; very low strength of the evidence), social cognitive training (8 RCTs; SMD=-0.49; 95% CI: -0.84 to -0.13; very low strength of the evidence) and social support (9 RCTs; SMD=-0.13; 95% CI: -0.25 to -0.01; low strength of the evidence) significantly decreased the perception of loneliness. In conclusion, three intervention types may be utilised for reducing loneliness, but they are supported by a low/very low certainty of evidence indicating the need for future large-scale RCTs to further investigate the efficacy of interventions for reducing loneliness.

Social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive impairment in late life: The MYHAT study

BackgroundSocial isolation and loneliness have detrimental effects on the health of older adults. Being socially isolated and lonely are likely both predictors and consequences of cognitive impairment with aging. However, isolation and loneliness may be differentially associated with cognitive impairment and may operate through both shared and unique pathways. The present study aimed to examine the association of social isolation and loneliness with concurrent cognitive impairment, and to explore potential mechanisms of the association.MethodsParticipants (n =1,982; Mage = 77.65 years, 1,210 (61.1%) female, 1,877 (94.7%) white, 815 (41.12% > high school education) were from a population‐based study of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Three composite measures derived from factor analysis, representing social network structure, social connectedness, and loneliness were examined in relation to clinical dementia rating (CDR normal = 0 vs. CDR impaired >= 0.5) at baseline, adjusted for demographic characteristics. The indirect effects of the composite measures were also estimated conditioned on general health and function, lifestyle factors, vascular health, depressive symptoms, and sleep.ResultsOf the participants, 569 (28.71%) were cognitively impaired at baseline. Social connectedness (OR 1.48, 95% CI=1.33‐1.64) and loneliness (OR 1.38, 95% CI=1.24‐1.54), but not social network structure, were significantly associated with greater likelihood of being cognitively impaired after adjustment for demographics. These effects remained significant after separate adjustments for general health and function, lifestyle factors, vascular health, depressive symptoms, sleep, and other composites. The effect of social connectedness was appreciably attenuated by general health status and function (OR 1.37, 95% CI=1.22‐1.54), while loneliness was appreciably attenuated by depressive symptoms (OR 1.26, 95% CI=1.12‐1.42).ConclusionsOlder adults with lower levels of social connectedness and higher perception of loneliness are more likely to be cognitively impaired, which were partially explained by health and function and depressive symptoms, respectively. Addressing these factors may reduce risk for cognitive impairment, or conversely, reduce risk for disconnectedness and loneliness among those with cognitive impairment. These results have implications for the impact that limited social contact and feelings of loneliness during the COVID‐19 pandemic may have on older adults with or at risk for cognitive impairment.

Effectiveness of laptop-based versus smartphone-based videoconferencing interaction on loneliness, depression and social support in nursing home residents: A secondary data analysis

Introduction The worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic re-emphasises the importance of videoconferencing in supporting interactions between nursing home residents and their family and friends. However, there is a scarcity of comparative studies on how modalities of conferencing programs impact health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare laptop-based with smartphone-based videoconferencing programs on nursing home residents’ perceptions of loneliness, depressive symptoms and social support. Methods This retrospective secondary analysis used data from two previous studies on the effectiveness of videoconferencing programs (laptop-based and smartphone-based) to improve outcomes of loneliness, depressive symptoms and social support (type and source) among nursing home residents. Generalised estimating equations compared differences from baseline measures with measures at 1 and 3 months between the two groups with and without adjusting for the effects of confounding variables. Results With the exception of age, there were no differences in demographics between participants in the laptop and smartphone groups. Neither changes from baseline in mean scores for loneliness nor depressive symptoms differed between groups. However, changes in mean scores from baseline between groups were significantly greater in the smartphone-based group compared with the laptop-based group for three types of social support: informational and appraisal at 1 and 3 months; and emotional at 3 months. Changes from baseline in mean scores for social support from friends (at 1 and 3 months) and other sources (at 3 months) were also significantly greater for the smartphone group compared with the laptop group. Discussion The two modalities of videoconferencing did not differ in effects on depressive symptoms or loneliness. However, smartphones had a greater effect on the type and source of social support compared with laptops. Whether the small screen of a smartphone reduces users’ anxiety and allows them to talk more on screen is worth studying.

460 - Unmet needs and loneliness perception among elderly people with chronic diseases

Introduction:Unwanted loneliness is a public health issue due to its high prevalence among elderly people (20-40%) and its relation with morbidity and mortality. There is no clear strategy for addressing this problem given the diversity of needs and resources people with feelings of loneliness have.Objective:Identify the needs and resources of elderly people with chronic conditions and feelings of loneliness by comparing the patient’s outlook with that of their primary healthcare professional.Methods:Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive pilot study using theoretical convenience sampling at 5 health facilities in Barcelona (Spain), performed between October and May 2020. Of 159 people selected, 42 were identified to have feelings of loneliness (UCLA &lt; 30) who agreed to participate in the study and their care needs were analysed using the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE) questionnaire. A descriptive and comparative analysis (Kappa coefficient and discrepancy percentage) of needs was performed using the outlook of the patients and their healthcare professionals. Data was analysed using SAS assuming a 5% significance level. A qualitative analysis was also performed to understand the relation between the feeling of loneliness and needs across 24 care areas (environmental, social, psychological, and physical). The study was approved by the IDIAP Jordi Gol Healthcare Ethics Committee (19/138-P).Findings:The needs perceived focused on physical health, distress, companionship, and relationships (30% to 41.7%). Professionals showed a severe lack of knowledge regarding housing, home care, relationships, and social services (22% to 48%). The qualitative analysis revealed the relation between the feeling of loneliness and the irreversible losses of those close to the patient, along with insufficient support and understanding during the aging process, and feelings of abandonment and guilt. Meanwhile, other notable aspects include the need of independence and resistance towards starting activities requiring commitment and travel. Caring for others and mobility and sensory restrictions act as extra barriers.Conclusions:This study enables the needs of people with feelings of loneliness to be identified. Discrepancies between them and their healthcare professionals were recorded, in turn providing direction regarding which areas need to be improved when designing patient-focused primary healthcare approaches.

The Mediating Role of Social Connectedness in the Relationship between University Students' Parental Acceptance / Rejection Perceptions and Loneliness Perceptions: A Structural Equation Model Study

The aim of this research is to examine the mediating effect of social connectedness in the relationship between parental rejection/acceptance and loneliness of university students. A total of 387 university students of 271 women (70%) and 116 men (30%) constitute the sample of the study. The scales used are Adult Parental Acceptance-Rejection Scale - Short Form, Ucla Loneliness Scale and Social Connectedness Scale. In accordance with the main purpose of the study, the model proposed to explain loneliness theoretically was tested by the Structural Equation Model analysis. The findings obtained, indicate that the model has acceptable significance and that the model is statistically verified. According to the verified model; it is seen that the perception of adults' parental acceptance/rejection in childhood has an effect on loneliness. When the mediating effect of social connectedness is examined, in the model; it appears that the mediation role of social connectedness is verified.

Smartphone Addiction and Conflict: An Incentive-Sensitisation Perspective of Addiction for Information Systems

ABSTRACT This study seeks to develop and test a theory-driven model of technology addiction within the context of smartphone use. Drawing on incentive-sensitisation theory, we proposed a nomological network that centres on a second-order factor of smartphone addiction from a psychological perspective. We empirically evaluated the proposed model against longitudinal data collected from 441 smartphone users. Our analysis from structural equation modelling indicates that our two-factor measurement of smartphone addiction (heightened desire and mobile social interaction) is a parsimonious alternative to the four-factor model. In addition, our findings suggest that addiction and its negative consequences differ in their effects on subsequent perceptions, such as perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment. We also found that personal innovativeness in information technology and a perception of loneliness explain a large amount of variation in smartphone addiction. Overall, the present study significantly contributes to the information systems literature by offering a refined model of smartphone addiction that effectively describes pathological smartphone use while correcting critical biases in existing models.

Family Loneliness: Its Effects in the Development of Empathy, Teamwork and Lifelong Learning Abilities in Medical Students.

ContextFamily offers an important source of social support where individuals acquire social abilities that are necessary to create positive human relationships. This influence has been discussed by different sociological and psychological theories along the life span of individuals. In medicine, empathy, teamwork, and lifelong learning have been described as specific elements of professionalism that have special importance in the interaction with patients and in physicians’ well-being at the workplace. This study was performed with the aim of demonstrating the following hypothesis: In the absence of specific training in empathy and teamwork and lifelong learning abilities, their development in medical students is associated with the students’ perception of loneliness from their family environment.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in the only two medical schools of Cusco (Peru), one private and the other public. Jefferson Scales of Empathy, Teamwork, and Lifelong Learning were used as the main measures. Mother–son and father–son relationships and family loneliness were measured to characterize the family environment. In addition, information related to sex, medical school, academic achievements, and place of origin were collected to control possible biases. Comparative, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were performed among the variables studied.ResultsIn a sample of 818 medical students, differences by school appeared in empathy, teamwork, lifelong learning, and family loneliness. In addition, family loneliness showed an inverse correlation with empathy, teamwork, and learning measures. While having a positive relationship with the mother was associated with a greater development of empathy and learning abilities in the entire sample, a similar effect was observed in father–son relationships, but only in the private medical school group. Finally, in the public medical group, a multiple regression model explained 43% of the variability of empathy based on a lineal relationship with teamwork (p < 0.001), lifelong learning (p < 0.001), and family loneliness (p < 0.001).ConclusionThese findings confirm how family loneliness is detrimental to the development of medical professionalism. Also, they support the important role that the family, and especially parents, plays in the development of empathy, teamwork, and abilities in medical students. Finally, these findings highlighted important differences among students enrolled in public and private medical schools.

A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Sleep Problems and Loneliness

In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between various forms of sleep problems and loneliness. A total of 84 articles (110 samples, N = 227,112) were identified for inclusion. Random effects models revealed a significant medium association between overall sleep problems and loneliness ( r = .336, 95% confidence interval = [.315, .357]) as well as specific sleep complaints (i.e., insomnia, nightmares, poor sleep efficiency, and poor sleep quality) and loneliness ( rs = .165–.354). The longitudinal relationships between overall sleep problems and subsequent loneliness, and vice versa, were also significant ( rs = .249–.297). Although no consistent moderation patterns emerged, several significant moderators were identified for specific associations. Results support a robust association between more severe sleep problems and greater perceptions of loneliness; both also appear reciprocally associated longitudinally. Findings point to research directions that may enhance understanding of the interplay between sleep problems and loneliness—constructs with transdiagnostic relevance.

Prevalence Rates of Loneliness and Its Impact on Lifestyle in the Healthy Population of Madrid, Spain.

Background: The Spanish population presents higher levels of loneliness than citizens of countries in Northern Europe. Numerous studies have linked loneliness to increased morbidity and mortality, but very few studies have associated loneliness with healthy lifestyles. The objectives of this research are to identify the feeling of unwanted loneliness in various age and gender groups in the city of Alcalá de Henares (Madrid, Spain), to determine lifestyle habits in the areas of diet and physical exercise, and to examine the association between lifestyle habits and perceived loneliness. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational and analytical study on the perception of loneliness among men (59.06%) and women (60.06%) in a sample (n = 611) of the general population (N = 198,945), by means of random assignment of a health survey, was conducted. The data were collected using an ad hoc questionnaire. The data were stratified and analyzed with the IBM SSPS® v.25 software package. Results: The frequency of loneliness is stratified by sex and age, and healthy lifestyle habits in terms of diet and physical exercise are analyzed. Conclusions: People with perceived loneliness do not have worse lifestyle habits. However, women living with other people have a higher perception of loneliness than those living alone. Specifically, the perception of loneliness in young adult women could suggest a low level of moderate physical exercise.

Perceptions of loneliness among people accessing treatment for substance use disorders.

Guided by cognitive theory of loneliness, this study sought to explore the experience of loneliness among people accessing treatment for substance use disorders. Specifically, contributors to, consequences and alleviators of loneliness were explored. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants. Interviews were conducted onsite at two residential treatment facilities in New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed and an iterative categorisation approach was used to guide data analysis and reporting. Four key themes emerged as contributors to and consequences of loneliness: cognitions (mistrust, perceived support from others, low self-worth and fear of negative evaluation), quality and authenticity of relationships, unhelpful interpersonal behaviours and the role of substance use. Participants indicated that overcoming the cognitive and behavioural perpetuators helped to alleviate loneliness and also described the utility of support groups, pursuit of authentic relationships and activities that provide a sense of purpose as helpful. Cognitions related to mistrust, lack of perceived support, low self-worth, fear of negative evaluation and identification and pursuit of meaningful relationships supportive of recovery should be key treatment targets for this population.

Psikolojik Sözleşme, Örgütsel Adalet, Örgütsel Güven Ve İşyerinde Yalnızlık İlişkisi: Karşılılık Normu Yaklaşımı (The Relationship between Psychological Contract, Organizational Justice, Organizational Trust and Loneliness at Workplace: The Norm of Reciprocity Perspective)

Purpose – Loneliness is a feeling not only in social life but also in the organization. One of the factors that trigger this emotion is trust. The psychological contract that evaluates the perception of justice and the relationship between the organization and the employee is important in establishing trust. These concepts are basically based on the reciprocity norm. The aim of the present study is to explain the relationship between concepts on the basis of the norm of reciprocity. Design/methodology/approach – In order to measure the norm in the research, Wu et al. (2006) 's scale was used. The organizational justice scale consists of three dimensions (distribution, transaction and interaction justice) and 20 items developed by Niehoff and Moorman (1993). Nine-item scale developed by Robinson and Morrison (2000) was used for the violation and breach of the psychological contract. The concept of organizational trust was measured by Cook and Wall (1980) scale consisting of 12 items. The scale includes two dimensions: faith in intentions and confidence in actions. Finally, loneliness in the workplace is measured by Wright et al. (2006)’s scale which is translated into Turkish by Dogan et al. (2009). The research includes employees of restaurant in Mugla. Data were collected with survey technique, 391 questionnaires of 500 distributed questionnaires were evaluated in accordance with data analysis and analyzes were carried out. Findings – According to the results of the research, the norm of reciprocity explains the concepts of organizational justice and psychological contract. Reciprocity norm increases organizational justice, while reducing the psychological contract breach and violation. On the other hand, while organizational justice increases organizational trust, breach and violation of the psychological contract decreases organizational justice. Finally, organizational trust perception reduces loneliness at workplace. Discussion – Failure to fulfill obligations within the organization affects perceptions of employees for violations and breaches of psychological contract and organizational justice. With the provision of reciprocity, employees consider the organization as a fairer organization, while employees believe that their organizations fulfill their promises. This increases the perception of trust of the employees and decreases the perception of loneliness in the workplace.

Health-Related Quality of Life, Functioning and Social Experiences in People with Psychotic Disorders

To inform development of a model for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with psychotic disorders, we aimed to assess correlations between utilities and dimension scores for the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL)-4D with functioning and social experiences; ascertain if patient housing and clinical status affected correlations; and determine aspects of functioning that jointly predict HRQoL. We analyzed data for 1642 people with an ICD-10 psychotic disorder from the 2010 Australian National Survey of Psychosis. Global functioning was measured with the Personal and Social Performance scale, independent functioning with the Multidimensional Scale of Independent Functioning and social functioning through level of social dysfunction. Social experiences comprised perceived loneliness and experienced stigma. We assessed Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients and undertook linear regression analyses. Moderate associations were found between AQoL-4D utilities and all variables, except experienced stigma. Perceived loneliness had the strongest association. The AQoL-4D social relationships dimension was most strongly associated with social variables; its independent living dimension with global and independent functioning. Correlations between utilities and all variables, except for social dysfunction, were modified by housing. Course of disorder impacted correlations with utilities and independent functioning. Global functioning and social dysfunction were found to jointly predict HRQoL. In conclusion, as the AQoL-4D can differentiate between functioning and social experiences individually and when categorized by housing and clinical status in people with psychosis, predictive models of HRQoL in this population are feasible, and only need include select aspects of functioning and social experiences, particularly perception of loneliness.

Physical Contact and Loneliness: Being Touched Reduces Perceptions of Loneliness.

ObjectiveThis article addresses the connection between loneliness and physical contact. Evolutionary and psychological research has shown that touch is an important part of bond-building and emotion communication; loneliness is intimately related to these elements as well. In this paper, we ask whether physical contact reduces feelings of loneliness —which might derive from evolutionary ancient bonding mechanisms—despite a cultural context that is relatively non-tactile.MethodAn experimental study (40 participants, 13 males) tested for observable effects of touch on loneliness scores in a low-contact culture to analyse whether they respond positively to that stimulus despite cultural training against it.ResultsParticipants exposed to physical contact reported significantly lower neglect scores from their close relationships in a short loneliness scale, thus suggesting that there is an underlying mechanism that persists despite enculturation. The effects were particularly strong among single people, which could mean that lower loneliness among married people might be partly explained by the regular availability of physical contact. Participants in the experimental condition also showed a faster reduction in heart rate, interpreted as a sign of physiological wellbeing.ConclusionsThese findings help to specify mechanisms within the evolutionary theoretical framework of loneliness that link internal feelings to environmental cues. This article aims at contributing to a more complex discussion on the interactions between emotions, cultural practices and psychological well-being.

The Effects of Numerical Divisibility on Loneliness Perceptions and Consumer Preferences

Abstract This research seeks to examine, first, whether and why consumers perceive divisible versus indivisible numbers differently and, second, how such divergent perceptions influence consumer preferences for marketer-created entities associated with divisible versus indivisible numbers. Integrating insights from two different literatures—numerical cognition and loneliness—we propose and find that numbers perceived to be divisible (vs. indivisible) are viewed as having more “connections” and are therefore deemed to be less lonely. Building on these findings and the literature on compensatory consumption, we then propose and demonstrate that a temporary feeling of loneliness increases participants’ relative preference for various targets—products, attributes, and prices—associated with divisible (vs. indivisible) numbers, which are perceived to be relatively more connected and less lonely. It merits mention that our findings are triangulated across a wide variety of numbers, different product categories, and multiple operationalizations of loneliness.

Intervention to reduce perceived loneliness in community-dwelling older people.

We evaluated the reduction in perceived loneliness and depression and the increase in social support and quality of life in community-dwelling lonely people aged >65years included in a community intervention compared with nonlonely controls from the same urban area. Randomised clinical trial without blind evaluation. Urban area of Barcelona. Community dwellers aged >65years with loneliness identified by the primary care team. The primary care team together with community agents (municipal social services, community civil and religious associations) carried out 18 sessions developing activities including educational workshops, mindfulness, yoga, walking and visits to urban gardens. We included 55 patients (87% female, mean age 80.6±6.86years) of whom 82% had moderate and 18% severe loneliness. Six months postintervention, 48.3% of the intervention group did not feel lonely compared with 26.9% of controls (p=0.001). Social support (DUKE-UNC-11) increased from 33.5±9.3 to 41.4±6.6, and mental health (SF-12) from 36±610.4 to 48±11.1 and depressive symptoms (Yesavage test) decreased from 9.2±3.6 to 5.2±5.0 in the intervention but not the control group. The intervention mainly reached people with moderate loneliness and significantly improved the perception of loneliness, depressive symptoms, social support and the mental health component of the quality of life. The intervention may be more suitable for people with moderate loneliness, but these types of activities may be difficult to accept by people with severe loneliness not related to the barriers to socialisation generated by ageing.

Exploring connections in the online learning environment: student perceptions of rapport, climate, and loneliness

ABSTRACTOnline learning can be a lonely experience. Social presence and interaction are a few proposed ways to combat students’ feelings of loneliness from peers and their instructor. Given that online course popularity and opportunities continue to grow, it is necessary to examine possible ways to alleviate perceptions of loneliness, especially given its negative outcomes on students’ learning experiences. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore how connections with those in the course (i.e. rapport and climate) may alleviate perceptions of loneliness in an online classroom, if at all, using rhetorical and relational goals as a theoretical perspective. The results from this study exemplify the importance of the instructor's role in building and maintaining rapport and climate. Practical implications for online instructors are presented in the discussion.

LİSE ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN YALNIZLIK DÜZEYLERİNE ETKİ EDEN DEĞİŞKENLERİN İNCELENMESİ

Bu çalışmanın amacı, pansiyonda ve ailesinin yanında kalan lise öğrencilerinin yalnızlık düzeylerini sosyo-demografik özellikler bakımından karşılaştırmaktır. Araştırmaya Erzincan il merkezindeki üç farklı lise tipinde (toplam 12 lise) öğrenim gören 761 (338 kız ve 423 erkek) öğrenci katılmıştır. Araştırmada Bilgi Toplama Formu ile UCLA Yalnızlık Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Gruplar arası farklılığı belirlemek için "t testi" ve "tek yönlü varyans analizi (ANOVA)", varyans analizinde ise, gruplar arası farklılıkların kaynağını belirlemek için karşılaştırma sonrası Scheffe Testi ile Dunnett’s C Testi kullanılmıştır. Veriler α=0.05 anlamlılık düzeyinde test edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda pansiyonda kalan, meslek liselerinde öğrenim gören, anne-babası ayrı yaşayan ve erkek olan öğrencilerde yalnızlık düzeyi yüksek bulunmuştur. Ayrıca annesinin okuma–yazması olmayan öğrencilerle annesi sadece okuma yazma-bilen öğrencilerin yalnızlıklarını algılama düzeyleri, annesi üniversite mezunu olan öğrencilerden daha yüksek bulunurken; babası ortaokul mezunu olan öğrencilerin yalnızlık düzeyini algılamaları, babası üniversite mezunu olan öğrencilerinkinden daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Ailesinin gelir düzeyi çok düşük olan öğrencilerin yalnızlıklarını algılama düzeyleri ise, ailesinin gelir düzeyleri orta ile yüksek -çok yüksek olan öğrencilerinkinden daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Araştırma sonuçları, olumsuz demografik özellikler taşıyan öğrencilerin yalnızlık düzeylerinin daha yüksek olduğunu göstermektedir. Elde edilen bulgular ışığında yurtta ve ailesinin yanında kalan lise öğrencilerinin yalnızlık durum düzeyleri başka araştırma ve uygulamalara da yol göstermesi bakımından tartışılmıştır.

The Effect of Music on Anger and Stress in Elderly

This study is a systematic review on determining the effect of music on anger and stress in elderly. The study was conducted by checking Pubmed, Wiley Interscience, Google Scholar databases. A total of six articles that were compatible with the keywords were evaluated. According to the findings of the systematic review, music increases the sense of independence in the elderly. The feeling of independence is an important factor in increasing one's self-confidence. This allows the elderly to cope better with feelings of helplessness and depression. It has been stated that music has an effect of decreasing anxiety in elderly living in a nursing home. One of the most important problems in elderly is loneliness. In a study conducted in a nursing home, it was stated that there was a decrease in the perception of loneliness by the music that was played to the elderly. As a result, listening to music has a positive effect on diseases. As listening to music positively affects the anxiety, loneliness and comfort levels of elderly, it is recommended that music therapy should be used as a complementary treatment method in elderly care. Keywords: Elderly, Anger, Stress, Music Intervention, Music Therapy Special Issue of Health Sciences DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/6-03-30

Unravelling the antecedents of loneliness in the workplace

‘I am lonely’, ‘I feel lonely’, ‘I am all alone’, ‘I feel lonely at work’. Each statement conjures up different sentiments about loneliness and speaks to the myriad ways one can arrive at the conclusion that they are lonely. This everyday language gives us insight into the mechanics of what loneliness is, what it is not, how it can manifest, and how being lonely is variously perceived in our social environments. Loneliness indicates that our relational life is unsatisfying in some way and implies a yearning for connection. The perception of loneliness is magnified in social contexts such as the workplace, yet because loneliness is often perceived as a shameful topic that is stigmatised, trivialised, or ignored, it is not something we often hear revealed within organisations. How does loneliness develop in the workplace? This article introduces a process model to help us understand how loneliness at work can manifest. Because the literature on workplace loneliness is far from mature, we use multidisciplinary research on various aspects of loneliness, relationships, and organisations to help develop a conceptual model of loneliness in the context of the workplace. Lastly, the article outlines future research directions for the study of workplace loneliness.

Psychopathological Symptoms and Loneliness in Adult Internet Users: A Contemporary Public Health Concern.

There are different concepts that translate abusive Internet use. Almost all these concepts converge on excessive time spent online, which can trigger the emergence of problematic situations. Most of the studies reported in the literature, both nationally and internationally, focused on a young population and found negative consequences of this Internet misuse. The objective of this study consists of associating the time spent using the Internet—in years, times per week, and hours per day—with psychopathological symptoms, as well as assessing the perception of loneliness, in an adult Portuguese population. A quantitative approach, based on a survey application, was conducted in a convenience sample composed by 418 participants (64.4% female), with a mean age of 29.9 years old (SD = 9.26), ranging from 18 to 73 years. The results suggest that maladaptive patterns of Internet use found in young people seem to be replicated in the adult population. A relationship between time spent on the Internet and psychopathological symptoms, and an association between loneliness and the number of hours spent on the Internet, were also identified. In an individualized and disconnected offline world, Internet impact in individuals’ well-being results must be highlighted, since it should be understood as a public health issue. The novelty of this study lies in the target population: Portuguese Internet users over 18 years of age, for which there is no specific study on the subject, thus emphasizing the transverse nature of the problem.