Loneliness in the general population: prevalence, determinants and relations to mental health

Abstract

BackgroundWhile loneliness has been regarded as a risk to mental and physical health, there is a lack of current community data covering a broad age range. This study used a large and representative German adult sample to investigate loneliness.MethodsBaseline data of the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) collected between April 2007 and April 2012 (N = 15,010; 35–74 years), were analyzed. Recruitment for the community-based, prospective, observational cohort study was performed in equal strata for gender, residence and age decades. Measures were provided by self-report and interview. Loneliness was used as a predictor for distress (depression, generalized anxiety, and suicidal ideation) in logistic regression analyses adjusting for sociodemographic variables and mental distress.ResultsA total of 10.5% of participants reported some degree of loneliness (4.9% slight, 3.9% moderate and 1.7% severely distressed by loneliness). Loneliness declined across age groups. Loneliness was stronger in women, in participants without a partner, and in those living alone and without children. Controlling for demographic variables and other sources of distress loneliness was associated with depression (OR = 1.91), generalized anxiety (OR = 1.21) and suicidal ideation (OR = 1.35). Lonely participants also smoked more and visited physicians more frequently.ConclusionsThe findings support the view that loneliness poses a significant health problem for a sizeable part of the population with increased risks in terms of distress (depression, anxiety), suicidal ideation, health behavior and health care utilization.

Loneliness in people with intellectual and developmental disorders across the lifespan: A systematic review of prevalence and interventions

“…The higher loneliness prevalence in people with IDD compared to the 10.5% loneliness prevalence observed in the general population (Beutel et al., ) is consistent with previous research (Luftig, ; Sheppard‐Jones et al., ; Williams & Asher, ). This finding supports the notion that various reciprocal factors, related to (i) the cognitive and behavioural impairments of people with IDD, (ii) the negative attitudes of the general population and (iii) the limited opportunities for social interaction, contribute to the increased susceptibility towards loneliness in people with IDD (Gilmore & Cuskelly, ).…”

“…Guralnick () anticipated that the prevalence of loneliness might be very high in children, as 60%–65% reported facing problems with friendships. These estimations are higher compared to the 10.5% prevalence of loneliness in the general population (Beutel et al., ). Several studies have reported that individuals with IDD experienced more loneliness compared to their non‐IDD counterparts (Luftig, ; Williams & Asher, ).…”

Social support and mental health in late adolescence are correlated for genetic, as well as environmental, reasons

“…We add additional weight to the evidence by finding that genetic correlations are also higher between support quality and mental health in late adolescence. While loneliness is always associated with negative outcomes, namely depression 52,53 , solitude, or a retreat from social contact, may in itself be a positive experience 54 . Solitude has been associated with better adjustment and emotional state 55,56 .…”

Loneliness Shapes the Relationship between Information and Communications Technology Use and Psychological Adjustment among Older Adults

“…Hence, this study sheds light on the potential risks of ICT use for segments of the older population in potentially vulnerable psychosocial conditions. Loneliness is worthy of examination for this purpose because it is relatively prevalent among older adults [6] and predicts a number of critical health conditions, such as heart disease, dementia onset, and mortality [for a review, see 7]. …”