Study challenges common belief

A study published in September in the Journal of Research in Personality by researchers from the University of Arizona has revealed that there is no strong correlation between the time spent alone and the feeling of loneliness. Participants who reported feeling the loneliest were divided into two distinct categories: those who spent very little time alone and those who spent a lot of time isolated from others.

Isolation and loneliness not always linked

The study found that individuals who spent at least 75% of their time alone all felt lonely. However, a person who spends a lot of time alone does not necessarily feel lonely. According to the study's conclusions, if one spends too much time isolated, loneliness will eventually, after a certain amount of time, become noticeable and burdensome.

Age affects the link between isolation and loneliness

The feeling of loneliness depends on age, with adults under 40.5 years not showing a link between isolation and loneliness unless they spent at least 75% of their time alone. In contrast, among people older than 68 years, there is a strong correlation between isolation and loneliness.

Older adults see isolation differently

One possible explanation is that older people perceive their isolation differently from young adults, evaluating the time spent alone as a signal of the probability of spending even more time alone, which can create a feeling of loneliness. Young people may be more spared from loneliness, especially thanks to social networks, according to psychology professor David A. Sbarra.

Social networks and generational differences

While older adults feel really lonely when they are alone, young adults may socialize more even when they are not objectively in contact with other people. The rise of social networks and online socialization leads us to question what it means to be alone. The generational differences in the feeling of isolation can also be linked to the lack of socialization opportunities for older people, especially those who have retired.

Retirement and loneliness

The loss of professional relationships can be an important factor of loneliness, according to psychologist David Narang.