Loneliness

Question 1

Loneliness

Answer 1

A discrepancy between an individuals preferred and actual social relations

• Very subjective and personal experience
• Distinquish between subtypes

Question 2

Intimate /
Emotional loneliness

Answer 2

Perceived lack of intimate relationships. Eg a partner, family member or friend whit whom you can share your intimate feelings

Question 3

Relational / Social loneliness

Answer 3

More about perceived lack of social network. Being part of a group of friends

Question 4

Collective loneliness

Answer 4

Lack of shared identity with others. Being part of a group of people you identify with, a community.

Eg being a student, feeling part of the psychology students.

Question 5

Social isolation

Answer 5

Different from loneliness in the way that it is objective. Actual lack of people around you. Main difference is the fact that it does not necessarily imply a feeling of loneliness.

Question 6

Solitude

Answer 6

Different from loneliness as it is experienced as positive. Eg after very busy holidays, feeling the need to be alone. Mostly voluntary.

Question 7

Function of loneliness

Answer 7

it can be seen as a motivation for action. We are a collective race who need others. In itself it can be a healthy experience, forms a drive to make a change

Transient ‘ healthy ‘ loneliness: leads to motivation to (re)connecting - leads to social behaviour

Question 8

Consequence

Answer 8

Not always transient. Loneliness is a big problem in society. In a lot of cases it becomes chronic. This effects other areas in life, increasing risk for depression, sickness etc.

It also strongly effects the way you perceive the world, which further effects your feelings and makes you seem more hostile to the world. It’s a vicious cycle that is hard to break.