LonelinessNew Perspectives on Loneliness By Sondra Forsyth Although loneliness is a familiar condition, scientists are only now beginning to look at its causes, consequences, and possible treatments.Researchers developed a special section in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, to bring together a summary of scientific research into loneliness.According to a release from the association, the section, edited by psychological scientist David Sbarra of the University of Arizona, investigates loneliness across multiple levels, from evolutionary theory to genetics to social epidemiology.“As a group, these articles set the bar high for future research on loneliness,” Sbarra writes in his introduction to the special section. “At the same time, they also contain ‘something for everyone’ — they are accessible, thought-provoking ideas that can be tackled from many different perspectives.”Among the conclusions:J.T. Cacioppo, of the University of Chicago, and colleagues theorize that loneliness isn’t unique to humans. Instead, it may be part of a biological “warning system,” they said. Like hunger or pain, loneliness may increase chances of survival and reproduction.Luc Goossens, of the University of the University of Leuven, in Belgium, is leading a team of investigators that are exploring a possible genetic basis for loneliness. That research, the association said in a news release, highlights “the need to integrate a whole range of approaches, from genomics to behavioral science, in understanding the underpinnings of loneliness.”Another study included in the section demonstrated a link between social isolation, loneliness, living alone and greater odds of mortality. Two others analyzed the teaching of social skills as a way to lessen loneliness and showed that people of all ages have an urge to reconnect in order to lessen loneliness.The special section is available online at: http://pps.sagepub.com/content/10/2.toc#SpecialSectiononLoneliness.Share this: