Make no mistake: individuals get real darn lonely. This can happen as major holidays or anniversaries approach, or anytime during the year. In the past 5 years, increased loneliness has been observed in many nations. And loneliness can have real consequences: negative physical, cognitive, and emotional impacts are a few. Even increased risk of suicide is on the table. These difficulties are more than enough to sound the alarm.
Recently, a high rate loneliness was reported among males. A 2021 Gallup study found men in the US showed higher rates compared to women. Researchers found that such loneliness rates were high in many wealthy western nations. But this effect was higher for males in the United States, in particular.
A more recent study from Pew Research found that both males and females in the US experience equal amounts of loneliness. But the study found that loneliness was particularly high in younger adults compared to other groups. The problem has become so pronounced that even tech companies have stepped in with AI or other uses to help fight loneliness.
Whether or not there are gender differences in loneliness, one thing is clear: young Americans are lonely. But why?? Experts hypothesize a range of possible reasons. The rise of social media since 2012. Effects on socialization from the COVID-19 pandemic. Particular parenting practices that may unintentionally limit social assertiveness skills. Or large pitfalls associated with the proliferation of adult online dating. These are just a few possibilities.
Research on loneliness named here are epidemiological studies. Epidemiology usually examines how often, where, or how severe certain conditions occur. They usually do not examine why a condition occurs (although sometimes the “why” shows through in their data).
Lack of social connections is only a partial culprit. Some research finds correlations between social anxiety and loneliness, but loneliness can also exist without social anxiety. Many individuals experience loneliness even when they have friends and family present. In this case, it can be difficult to discern why people get lonely.
So how do mental health professionals help clients cope with loneliness? A number of approaches appear to be effective. In particular, CBT and exposure can tackle loneliness that stems from social anxiety. CBT can also address when thought patterns contribute to social avoidance (e.g., “There’s no use trying to meet people.”). Social skills training can help when individuals have difficulty understanding how to effectively approach others or could use a boost in their sense of social mastery.
Behavioral activation can also lead to improved mood and increased focus on valued activities when lonely, as opposed to focus on their sense of being alone or isolated. New positive emotion interventions also may provide a similar method to shift focus, but are yet to be tested for loneliness in particular.
Loneliness is particularly high for Americans throughout the year. There sometimes appear to be gender differences and other times not. The good thing is that therapists have plenty of resources and tools to help clients experience less loneliness.
