Loneliness

The internet, social media platforms, and digital
technology all seem to point to a world of greater interconnectivity and
social connection. Yet even against this background of global social
networks, loneliness remains a major issue for millions of individuals, and
one with tangible consequences: studies have demonstrated that loneliness
correlates with to an increased risk of mental illnesses, as well as a 45%
increased risk of death.

In Loneliness: Science and Practice,
experts from the United States and Europe seek to construct a translational
framework for recognizing and addressing loneliness in the clinical context.
Based on the latest literature on the topic, the book tackles


* The theoretical foundations of loneliness and other dimensions of
social connection. Readers will benefit from validated rating scales to
measure loneliness that account for the varied experiences of, and factors
that contribute to, loneliness.
* The incidence and presentation of
loneliness throughout the life cycle
* Loneliness among marginalized
communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals,
immigrants, and individuals with mental illnesses
* The neurobiological
and systemic neuroendocrine and inflammatory mechanisms of loneliness
*
Interventions for loneliness, from research-based interventions for both
younger and older age groups to community-based interventions

Throughout this guide, clinical vignettes help ground the theoretical
information in real-world applicability. Key points help readers reference
each chapter's most salient points quickly, and lists of suggested readings
open the door to further exploration.

By examining the psychosocial
and biological mechanisms of loneliness, as well as the unique social and
cultural contexts in which it can occur, Loneliness: Science and
Practice offers readers a holistic understanding of loneliness and a
framework for addressing it in the distinct communities they serve.