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26 - Understanding the Problem of Loneliness and the Challenge of Addressing It

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 February 2026

By
Kiffer G. Card  and
Daniel Perlman
Edited by
Anita L. Vangelisti ,
Daniel Perlman  and
Susan Sprecher
Anita L. Vangelisti
Affiliation:
University of Texas, Austin
Daniel Perlman
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Susan Sprecher
Affiliation:
Illinois State University
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Summary

Despite variation in their social needs and experiences, all humans require social connections to thrive. When humans lack fulfilling connections, they experience loneliness. However, while seemingly simple, loneliness is a multidimensional construct arising from varied social deficiencies and leading to varied psychological experiences. This chapter reviews the literature on loneliness, describing what it is, why we experience it, its prevalence and consequences, and what is being done globally to address it. In doing so, we highlight the considerable impacts of loneliness on individuals and society, its complexity, and the opportunities for future work. We close acknowledging the significant advancements made in loneliness research over the past several decades and highlight how this knowledge is being mobilized to advance the prevention and treatment of loneliness. In doing so, we hope this chapter serves as a useful starting point for understanding the problem of loneliness and the challenge of addressing it.

Keywords

lonelinesssocial needssocial connectionpublic health

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The Cambridge Handbook of Personal Relationships , pp. 550 - 573
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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