Loneliness definition could transform support for millions

Dr Kathryn Cunningham, from the University’s School of Health Sciences, has spent more than a decade studying the feeling and how it impacts upon individuals. 

Awareness of loneliness has grown significantly in recent years, but the lack of a clear, shared understanding of what loneliness is has presented a problem in addressing the issue. The need to officially define loneliness has become essential to ensure that support can be channelled effectively.

Dr Cunningham has defined loneliness as “the negative feeling(s) one experiences as a result of a (conscious or subconscious) personal perception that one’s interpersonal needs are not satisfied by (the quantity and/or quality of) one’s interpersonal (emotional, social, collective, professional and/or religious) relationships.

The definition and research behind it has been published in the journal Health Psychology Review.

“You can't solve a problem if you do not fully understand it,” said Dr Cunningham.

“Everybody has their own understanding or belief of what loneliness is, but it is important that we have a single, clear and precise definition if we want to address it.

“In recent years we have seen much more research in this field, and multiple organisations established to combat loneliness. But without an actual definition it is hard to know how and where to target funding and resources. 

“With this definition it is now possible to start supporting government with forming policy and health and social care professionals and third sector organisations with helping people experiencing loneliness, many of whom are suffering in silence. This definition can also underpin future research in the field, so the impacts of this are potentially very significant.”

Awareness of loneliness accelerated greatly during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many people already experiencing the feeling became further isolated, while for others it was their first experience of being restricted from in-person contact with peers and loved ones. In 2024, the publication of a UK government survey found that more than 3 million people in England identified as feeling lonely “often or always”.

“Awareness of loneliness had definitely been growing anyway, but the pandemic certainly helped people to realise just how significant it is as part of our overall wellbeing,” continued Dr Cunningham.

“There is still a stigma around loneliness. People do not want to say they are lonely. Someone who is lonely will try and describe their feeling in almost any other way.

“It is important not to confuse loneliness with depression. There is a link, but depression is broader. Loneliness is specifically to do with your interpersonal needs not being satisfied by your relationships with others and the negative feelings that causes. That may well lead you to then feel depressed, but they are distinctly different experiences.”

To define loneliness, Dr Cunningham has examined texts from across the world in various disciplines, including medicine, psychology and philosophy.

She added, “What we need to see is not only policy focused on loneliness, but loneliness impacting wider policy. Many governments and even the World Health Organization are focusing more on the subject. It is an issue that goes beyond health policy, to areas like education and even town planning.”

CASE STUDY

Margaret* lost her husband in January 2024. Soon after that she retired from her job in education and admits that she has since struggled to engage with others.

“When my husband died, I found it incredibly hard,” she said. “I isolated myself completely from other people and still do to some extent. 

“I found it quite hard to be involved with my friends, whose lives were continuing when mine had changed out of all recognition. I hid myself from them. It was like I purposely made myself lonely because I couldn't bear to be around other people.

“It’s taken me a long time to even consider emerging into the world, but in that time my friends have slipped away. I've rejected too many nights out and too many offers of coffee and cake.

“I’ve been told I should join a crocheting club or join an exercise class but I could be in the middle of a room with a million people, talking to every one of them, and still feel empty inside. The relationships I need have to be meaningful.

“The loss of my husband has also distanced me in another way, because I feel as though my identity was erased. I lost my identity as a wife and as a worker in a short space of time and that too has created a sense of loneliness.

“This new research is truly valuable. My experience tells me that loneliness is not simply the absence of people, it is far more complex. This work means that in the future there may be better advice or options, and that has to be a solid way forward.”

*Margaret’s name has been amended to respect her privacy