The complexity of loneliness

Abstract

Loneliness is a prevalent and global problem for adult populations, and a number of different studies have linked it to multiple chronic conditions, including: heart disease, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, and metabolic disorders, such as obesity and metabolic disease. Is a major predictor of psychological problems, such as depression, psychological stress, and anxiety. Loneliness is linked to overall morbidity and mortality in adult populations. But limited interventions have demonstrated long-term effectiveness in reducing loneliness in adults with these same chronic conditions. Our research of the extant literature addresses the following question: What evidence exists regarding the relationships between loneliness and health? We focus on recent findings with respect to the links between loneliness and health.