Research Handbook on Loneliness and Social Connection

This illuminating Research Handbook explores why the challenges loneliness and social connection pose have never been more pressing, despite being common experiences across time and space. Leading experts advance an integrated, multi-level understanding of loneliness to support research and policy development in this crucial field.

Chapters evaluate theoretical, methodological and applied perspectives across key interconnected areas: characterising and contextualising loneliness, loneliness in particular settings and populations, and global and national initiatives on policy and practice. Contributors move beyond individual and interpersonal studies to pay particular attention to community and societal levels of analysis, where wider structural forces shape lived experiences. Assessing the delivery and effectiveness of intervention strategies, the Research Handbook builds a comprehensive picture of factors which increase the risk of loneliness, as well as those that foster meaningful connection.



The Research Handbook on Loneliness and Social Connection is a vital resource for scholars and students of psychology, sociology, social policy and mental and behavioural health. Practitioners and policymakers will also benefit from its actionable suggestions and multi-level analysis.