ABSTRACT
Loneliness is the feeling that one’s social relationships are less meaningful than one desires. Two people might have the same number of social relationships, but differ widely in how satisfied they are with the reality—even if these relationships look equally “meaningful” to an observer. Loneliness picks up again among senior citizens, however, as they lose important social connections and are at risk for becoming socially isolated. Loneliness is associated with social anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation and behavior. Loneliness can be looked upon as a signal that prompts people to renew social connections by changing their behavior. The desire to seek out social interaction when faced with stressful circumstances is demonstrated in a study by Stanley Schachter. Social interaction plays a role in social life that goes beyond people’s immediate concerns and desires. The physical distance that people maintain in interaction can also convey critical information.
