ABSTRACT
Loneliness and its link to, for example, mental health have become important to global public health and research in the social sciences. Often referred to as the ‘epidemic’ of loneliness, it is increasingly perceived as a global health, wellbeing, and social issue. This chapter will explore the issue of loneliness, as a global public health issue, and consider current literature on the groups most likely to experience loneliness. The chapter proceeds to argue for a study of loneliness ‘in its own right’ and suggests some strategic directions for further research, such as use of broader theoretical frameworks, especially the social constructionist approach, and qualitative orientated approaches.
