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Risk factors for loneliness: A literature review

Author

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  • Barjaková, Martina
  • Garnero, Andrea
  • d’Hombres, Béatrice

Abstract

Increasingly, loneliness is being recognised as a serious problem with detrimental effects on health, as well as on social cohesion and community trust. To effectively tackle this complex issue, a clear understanding of the phenomenon and its main drivers is needed. Over years of scientific research on loneliness, many potential risk factors have emerged and been tested empirically.

Suggested Citation

  • Barjaková, Martina & Garnero, Andrea & d’Hombres, Béatrice, 2023. "Risk factors for loneliness: A literature review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 334(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:334:y:2023:i:c:s0277953623005208
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116163
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Akbaş Müzeyyen Çiğdem & Seedsman Terence, 2024. "Financial Literacy as Part of Empowerment Education for Later Life: A Spectrum of Perspectives, Challenges and Implications for Individuals, Educators and Policymakers in the Modern Digital Economy," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 18(1), pages 1-14.
    3. Di Gessa, Giorgio & Bordone, Valeria & Arpino, Bruno, 2025. "Trajectories of loneliness in later life – Evidence from a 10-year English panel study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 382(C).
    4. Hisrael Passarelli-Araujo, 2026. "The demography of loneliness: Rethinking social connections in population research," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 54(5), pages 133-158.
    5. Kunz, Johannes S. & Trinh, Trong-Anh & Berk, Michael & Earnest, Arul & Engel, Lidia & Hamilton, Matthew & Hayes, Laura & Khanh-Dao Le, Long & Lim, Michelle & Rizal, Fikru & Skouteris, Helen & Shields,, 2025. "Are recessions bad for loneliness?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 384(C).
    6. Tim Friehe & Christian Pfeifer, 2025. "Unemployment’s Life-Satisfaction Cost and Loneliness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(6), pages 1-27, August.
    7. Lewis, Sophie & Willis, Karen & Smith, Lorraine & Dubbin, Leslie & Rogers, Anne & Moensted, Maja Lindegaard & Smallwood, Natasha, 2024. "There but not really involved: The meanings of loneliness for people with chronic illness," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 343(C).

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