Loneliness Across the Life Span

Abstract

Most people have experienced loneliness and have been able to overcome it to reconnect with other people. In the current review, we provide a life-span perspective on one component of the evolutionary theory of loneliness—a component we refer to as the reaffiliation motive (RAM). The RAM represents the motivation to reconnect with others that is triggered by perceived social isolation. Loneliness is often a transient experience because the RAM leads to reconnection, but sometimes this motivation can fail, leading to prolonged loneliness. We review evidence of how aspects of the RAM change across development and how these aspects can fail for different reasons across the life span. We conclude with a discussion of age-appropriate interventions that may help to alleviate prolonged loneliness.

Trait and State Levels of Loneliness in Early and Late Adolescents: Examining the Differential Reactivity Hypothesis

“…In line with this, research could further explore whether the presence of a friend or family member in contexts with nonintimate company could buffer the negative effects of nonintimate company. As previous research has shown that lonely individuals are hypersensitive to negative social cues (see, e.g., Qualter et al, 2015), lonely adolescents may also need to learn adaptive coping strategies to deal with relatively negative social environments, such as nonintimate company.…”

Pathways from Ageism to Loneliness

“…Recently, a review of the ontogeny of loneliness has differentiated between environmental triggers of loneliness across the life span (Qualter et al 2015). It was suggested that as of adolescence, romantic relationships become increasingly important, and that compromised quality of that type of relationship is mostly related to loneliness.…”

“…Similarly, marital quality and life partnership fulfill needs for belonging in old age. However, at this stage of life these needs are challenged as widowhood, illness, and reduced social activities become sources of loneliness (Qualter et al 2015).…”

Prevalence of Loneliness and Associated Factors among Older Adults in South Africa

“…Loneliness is a common phenomenon associated with old age due to changes in the quality and quantity of social relationships (Luanaigh & Lawlor, 2008;Qualter et al, 2015). Consequently, elderly people may experience feelings of distress, loss and unmet social needs (Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010).…”