The psychology of loneliness
Campaign to End Loneliness, 2020
The Campaign to End Loneliness commissioned the UKRI Loneliness and Social Isolation in Mental Health Research Network, UCL to carry out an extensive scoping review for this report. They examined academic literature, reports from the third sector, and undertook stakeholder consultation to find the psychological factors which contribute to loneliness and evidence of interventions that have potential to target these factors. The evidence base in this important area is emerging and shows promise.
This report aims to address the current gap in our understanding of the psychological and emotional aspects of loneliness. We cover the role these play in our ability to form meaningful connections and how this knowledge can inform and improve the support for those experiencing loneliness, particularly chronic and severe loneliness.