Psychological Loneliness

We all experience psychological loneliness from time to time. It is a personal feeling, and therefore, everyone goes through it in their own way. Psychological loneliness may arise when social relationships and interactions fail to provide reinforcement. Being alone does not necessarily mean feeling lonely; some people choose to be happy without social interactions, while others find that to be the very definition of loneliness. Some may have many social and family relationships yet still feel lonely because they believe no one understands or feels for them. There is a difference between being alone and being lonely.

Psychological loneliness has garnered significant attention from psychological researchers, making it a key area of study. This interest is driven by the fact that loneliness has become a widespread and serious issue affecting individuals across all age groups, from childhood to old age.

The danger of psychological loneliness lies in its negative impact, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction, boredom, and unhappiness, reducing one's motivation to engage in activities. The external world and events seem meaningless, and the individual may feel rejected or unwanted by others, which can result in anger, fear, or anxiety.

Definitions of Psychological Loneliness

Researchers have defined psychological loneliness in various ways. Weiss (1973) describes it as a state of deficiency resulting from the individual's perception of a lack of emotional connection with others.

Ibrahim Qashqoush (1988) defines it as a psychological gap distancing the individual from people and aspects of their psychological world, leading to feelings of rejection and a lack of love from others. This results in an inability to form fulfilling relationships with those in their environment.

Ali Suleiman (1989) describes it as the distress and turmoil experienced in human relationships, accompanied by a noticeable discrepancy between one’s ideal and actual social self. It is thus considered a subjective experience.

Zainab Shaqir (2002) defines loneliness as an experience where an individual feels alone and lacking in social relationships. Those who feel lonely tend to isolate themselves, struggle to interact positively with others, and suffer from shyness, low self-confidence, and poor self-esteem—even when surrounded by people.

Deniz, Hamarta, and Ari (2005) define loneliness as an emotional response triggered by quantitative or qualitative disturbances in social relationships.

Mazn Milhem (2010) defines it as a deficiency in an individual's social relationships, accompanied by feelings of non-acceptance by others, resulting in sadness and withdrawal.

The American Psychological Association (APA, 2015) defines loneliness as emotional or cognitive distress stemming from an individual's perception of being alone. Social psychology views loneliness as emotional distress arising when fundamental needs for intimacy and companionship are not met. Cognitive psychology describes it as an unpleasant and distressing experience caused by a discrepancy between the desired and actual quality and quantity of social relationships. Existential-humanistic theory sees loneliness as an inevitable but sometimes constructive aspect of self-awareness and personal growth.

Cherry (2020) describes loneliness as a state of mind that makes individuals feel empty, unwanted, and disconnected from others, even when they wish to engage socially.

Prevalence of Psychological Loneliness

Loneliness is a complex phenomenon with significant psychological and physical consequences, sometimes even leading to death. Research has examined its prevalence in various countries. In the United States, approximately 60 million people—20% of the population—suffer from loneliness (Cacioppo & Patrick, 2008).

In Egypt, the prevalence of loneliness among adolescents is 19.04% for males and 17.5% for females (Khaled Abdel Ghani, 2007). In France, 10.7% of a representative sample reported living alone, with a positive correlation found between solitary living and common psychological disorders (Dina Darwish, 2019). Studies also indicate that women are more prone to loneliness than men (Aseel Abdelhamid, 2015).

Causes of Psychological Loneliness

The causes of loneliness vary, some being personal traits while others stem from deficiencies in social relationships. Weiss (1973) attributes loneliness to:

1. Social Situations – Environmental difficulties and challenges that contribute to loneliness.
2. Individual Differences – Personal characteristics such as shyness, introversion, and neuroticism that predispose individuals to loneliness.

Jansson et al. (2018) found that loneliness is particularly common among the elderly and women and is linked to factors such as low income, limited education, physically demanding jobs, poor health, reduced outdoor activities, hearing and vision impairments, illness, the illness or death of a spouse, and lack of family presence.

Amy Rokach (2018) identifies loneliness based on three levels:

1. Deficiency in Relationships: The absence of or dissatisfaction with social connections that provide belonging, support, and love.

   • Social alienation: Feeling disconnected from loved ones.
   • Inadequate social support system: Lack of friends or people who genuinely care.
   • Relationship disturbances: Unfulfilling, distant, or painful relationships.

2. Traumatic Events: Sudden life changes that negatively impact individuals.

   • Relocation or separation from family.
   • Emotional trauma, such as a breakup or loss.
   • Crises like social disruption or realization of life’s limitations.

3. Developmental and Personal Factors: Personality traits and early life experiences affecting one’s ability to form close relationships.

   • Fear of intimacy due to past rejection or ridicule.
   • Poor social skills (shyness, hostility, negativity).
   • Illness or disability leading to social detachment.
   • Past negative experiences that affect future social interactions.
   • Low self-esteem and a sense of unimportance.

Cherry (2020) cites research from John Cacioppo at the University of Chicago, showing that loneliness has a genetic component. Situational factors such as physical isolation, moving to a new place, divorce, or the death of a loved one contribute to loneliness. Additionally, loneliness can be a symptom of psychological disorders like depression.

Lower levels of loneliness are associated with marriage, higher income, and higher education, whereas higher levels are linked to physical illness, solitary living, small social networks, and poor-quality relationships.

Theoretical Explanations of Psychological Loneliness

1. Psychoanalytic Theory – Freud saw loneliness as a conflict between the id, ego, and superego, leading to social maladjustment. Adler viewed it as a symptom of social rejection, while Jung considered it part of personal growth. Sullivan believed loneliness stems from inadequate intimate relationships, beginning in childhood.

2. Behavioral Theory – Skinner viewed loneliness as a learned behavior influenced by social responses. Watson saw it as a behavioral pattern lacking social reinforcement.

3. Cognitive Theory – Cognitive theorists (e.g., Beck, Emery, Young) attribute loneliness to negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself and others, leading to maladaptive social behavior.

4. Interactionist Theory – Loneliness is seen as a multidimensional state, influenced by both personal factors and situational conditions. Weiss (1973) distinguished between emotional loneliness (absence of close bonds) and social loneliness (lack of a social network).

5. Trait Theory – Loneliness is linked to stable personality traits such as introversion, neuroticism, and low self-esteem.

Conclusion

Psychological loneliness is a significant issue affecting individuals across all age groups. It results from various personal, social, and situational factors and can have severe psychological and physical consequences. Understanding its causes and theoretical foundations can help develop interventions to mitigate its effects and improve individuals’ well-being.

References

Arabic References:

• Al-Maghrabi, I. H. (2018). Fundamentals of Psychotherapy. Modern University Office.
• Qashqoush, I. Z. A. (1988). The Scale of Psychological Loneliness for University Students. Anglo-Egyptian Library.
• Othman, A. A. R. (2001). Social Support from Spouses and Its Relationship to Happiness and Adjustment to University Life Among Married Female Students. Journal of the Faculty of Education – Zagazig, (37), 143-195.
• Abdul-Jabbar, A. A. (2015). Psychological Loneliness and Its Relationship to Irrational Thoughts Among Students of Al-Mustansiriya University. Journal of Educational and Psychological Research, University of Baghdad – Center for Educational and Psychological Research, (45), 364-393.
• Sabri, I. M., & Ahmed, N. A. (2018). Psychological Loneliness and Its Relationship to Khul' Among a Sample of Women in Fayoum. The Arab Journal for Studies and Research in Educational and Human Sciences, (4)10, 27-72.
• Abdel-Ghani, K. M. (2007). Anxiety and the Feeling of Psychological Loneliness – A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study of Differences Between Egyptian and Qatari Adolescents. Psychological Studies Journal, Egyptian Association of Psychologists, Cairo, November, 949-975.
• Darwish, D. (2019). Loneliness is Responsible for 84% of Psychological Disorders. For Science: A Periodic Bulletin, May 3. Egyptian Knowledge Bank.
• Al-Kreidis, R. S. A. (2016). Psychological Loneliness and Its Relationship to Psychological and Social Adjustment Among University Students. Journal of Education, (169)1, 81-132. Retrieved from http://search.mandumah.com/Record/86421
• Shuqair, Z. M. (2002). Normal and Disturbed Personality (3rd ed.). Anglo-Egyptian Library.
• Al-Buhairi, A. R. (1987). The Psychological Loneliness Scale. Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya Library.
• Suleiman, A. S. (1989). The Effectiveness of Non-Directive Group Psychotherapy in Reducing the Suffering of Psychological Loneliness. Proceedings of the Fifth Psychology Conference in Egypt, Egyptian Association for Psychological Studies.
• Khodr, A. S., & Al-Shanawi, M. M. (1988). The Feeling of Psychological Loneliness and Reciprocal Social Relationships. Arabian Gulf Message, (25)8.
• Melhem, M. (2010). The Feeling of Psychological Loneliness and Its Relationship to the Five Major Personality Factors – A Field Study on a Sample of Damascus University Students. Damascus University Journal, 26(4), 625-660.
• Al-Nayal, M. (1993). Constructing a Psychological Loneliness Scale and Its Prevalence Among Different Age Groups of School Children in Qatar. Psychology Journal – Egyptian General Book Authority, (25), 102-117.
• Al-Dessouqi, M. (2013). The Psychological Loneliness Scale (2nd ed.). Anglo-Egyptian Library.
• Al-Sabwah, M. (2019). The Foundational Course in Multidimensional Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Skills – Training Course – From 14/11/2019 to 23/11/2019. Egyptian Association of Psychotherapists.
• Ubaid, M. M. (2011). The Relationship Between Stress and Psychological Loneliness Among Single Mothers. Journal of Scientific Research in Education, Ain Shams University, (12)2, 337-375.
• Cooper, M. (2015). Existential Psychotherapies (T. R. T. Adawy & R. S. Al-Sayem, Trans.; T. Mansour, Rev.). Anglo-Egyptian Library.

English References:

• APA Dictionary of Psychology
• Cacioppo, J. T., & Patrick, W. (2008). Loneliness: Human nature and the need for social connection. WW Norton & Company.
• Cherry, K. (2020). The Health Consequences of Loneliness: Causes and Health Consequences of Feeling Lonely. Psychology & Psychiatrists – Integrating Various.
• Demirli, A., & Demir, A. (2014). The Role of Gender, Attachment Dimensions, and Family Environment on Loneliness Among Turkish University Students. Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools, 24(1), 62-75.
• Deniz, M., Hamarta, E., & Ari, R. (2005). An Investigation of Social Skills and Loneliness Levels of University Students with Respect to Their Attachment Styles in a Sample of Turkish Students. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 33(1), 19-32.
• Jansson, A. H., Savikko, N. M., & Pitkälä, K. H. (2018). Training Professionals to Implement a Group Model for Alleviating Loneliness Among Older People – 10-Year Follow-Up Study. Educational Gerontology, 44(2-3), 119-127.
• Neto, F., & Barros, M. J. (2000). Psychosocial Concomitants of Loneliness Among Students of Cape Verde and Portugal. Journal of Psychology, 134(5), 503-514.
• Perlman, D., & Peplau, L. A. (1981). Toward a Social Psychology of Loneliness. Personal Relationships, 3, 31-56.
• Rokach, A., Bauer, N., & Orzeck, T. (2003). The Experience of Loneliness of Canadian and Czech Youth. Journal of Adolescence, 26(3), 267-282.
• Rokach, A. (2018). Being Alone Does Not Necessarily Mean Being Lonely. In Loneliness, Love, Romance, and Sexual Interaction: Research Perspectives from "Current Psychology", 225.
• Sullivan, M. P. (1995). The Relationship of the Sense of Coherence and Loneliness to Psychosocial Adjustment in Spinal Cord Injured Individuals. Temple University.
• Weiss, R. S. (1973). Loneliness: The Experience of Emotional and Social Isolation.