Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms
Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms Author Information -Dr Ramanuj Singh, Ph.D. -Louice C. Hawkley, Ph.D -Rakesh ranjan, Clinical asociate. -Gitanjali prakash, Clinical asociate. -Kajal sinha, med.student(MBBS). Abstract As a social species, humans rely on a safe, secure social surround to survive and thrive. Perceptions of social isolation, or loneliness, increase vigilance for threat and heighten feelings of vulnerability while also raising the desire to reconnect. Implicit hypervigilance for social threat alters psychological processes that influence physiological functioning, diminish sleep quality, and increase morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this paper is to review the features and consequences of loneliness within a comprehensive theoretical framework that informs interventions to reduce loneliness. We review physical and mental health consequences of loneliness, mechanisms for its effects, and effectiveness o...