Determinants of Social and Emotional Loneliness in a Nationally Representative Sample of US Adults

Loneliness is a pervasive global health concern and plethora of studies have linked it to high mortality morbidity psychological problems, such as depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety. Furthermore, growing evidence suggests that loneliness bi-dimensional construct made up two related but distinct categories; social emotional loneliness. In order inform future intervention strategies aid clinicians in tackling this ‘epidemic’, data collected by the Growth from Knowledge group (GFK) nationally representative sample adults residing US (n=1,839) was used evaluate relationship between both subtypes overall with multitude demographics. Results suggest being female, younger aged adults, low income, those who are not married nor cohabiting, unemployed, school degree or less, identify white more likely report feeling emotionally lonely. Younger were associated young living metro area significantly total These results support distinction recommended researchers acknowledge when developing prevention strategies.